Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has insisted that his old club would be getting a good deal if they were to sell young winger Raheem Sterling for a reported £49m fee.
The 20-year-old England international is thought to be on the verge of completing a move to Manchester City, and Carragher believes that the club's owners should be praised for negotiating such a strong price should the move go ahead.
"Raheem is a very good young player but he has not yet hit the heights of an Owen, Rooney, Fowler or Giggs at this stage of his career," said Carragher, according to Sky Sports News.
"So there's no doubt £49m is a great deal for Liverpool. It's a great fee and credit to the owners who have shown great strength. It sends a message to other clubs and current players. Surely in the future they will want to halt the exodus of Liverpool's top players moving on.
"The price is not something Raheem can control and the debate will rage about whether he's worth it or not but the price is more to do with nationality and potential."
Sterling has been left out of the club's pre-season tour, further heightening talk of a move away from Anfield.
