Sterling Linked With West Ham

Liverpool and England winger Raheem Sterling is the latest player from Liverpool to be linked with West Ham United, although a deal isn't expected to be completed just yet; it's being reported that a deal is likely to finalised, by the end of the transfer window.

West Ham have already signed Liverpool striker Andy Carroll and they are closing in on a deal to bring Stewart Downing to Upton Park for a fee of £5 million. Like Downing, Raheem also plays on the wing, the 18 year old appeared to of established himself in the first team, but with new arrivals joining the ranks at Anfield, Liverpool Manager Brendan Rogers is looking to loan out Sterling to give the youngster some first team football.

Signed from Qpr in 2010, Sterling was highly rated from a very young age and looks certain to be an England regular in years to come. With that being said the question has to be asked, do we actually need Raheem Sterling?

Raheem's pace would prove handy to any team but with the imminent arrival of Stewart Downing; I think we're about covered on the wings. I couldn't see Raheem playing upfront either, for one he doesn't match up to what Big Sam looks for in a striker. Sterling also isn't know for his goal-scoring record; only managing to score a couple of goals last season.

I wouldn't be dead against Raheem joining but considering Sam Allardyce claimed we only needed one more signing; it surprises me to hear of this apparent interest, unless Sam is looking to sell players. Apart from a turbulent personal life, Raheem hasn't really put a foot out of line-but I'm slightly confused as to why Liverpool would loan him out to a Premier League rival?

Raheem Sterling is most defiantly one for the future but for now I think we should continue to look for a back-up striker, the players being linked are supposed to assist Carroll, but while he is injured we need a replacement.