Raheem Sterling will not sign a new contract at Liverpool this season as he waits to see what offers come his way this summer, a well-placed source has told ESPN FC.
Sterling's long-term future has been the subject of fervent speculation after he confirmed in a BBC interview on April 1 that he had turned down a new £100,000-a-week contract to extend his stay at Anfield.
With all parties at loggerheads over the contract discussions, Liverpool bossBrendan Rodgers hit out at Sterling's representatives in the wake of the interview, but will face a tough battle to convince the winger to sign a new deal if his side fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
The interview was not sanctioned by Liverpool and there are growing fears on Merseyside that Sterling is looking to move on this summer after he admitted he was "flattered" to be linked with Arsenal.
Indeed, Sterling's contract wrangle has alerted all the Premier League's big guns with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal all eagerly keeping an eye on his situation.
However, Champions League holders Real Madrid have also confirmed their interest in the 20-year-old, with Real Madrid Castilla manager Zinedine Zidane admitting they are keeping tabs on him.
Sources have told ESPN FC that Liverpool won't sell Sterling this summer even if he doesn't sign a new contract but, with the player entering the final two years of his contract at Anfield, a huge bid from Europe's elite would test their resolve.