Selling Sterling will be smartest piece of business Liverpool could conduct

Also thought to be on the list is Hoffenheim’s Brazilian sensation Roberto Firmino, with the Reds showing real intent to secure his signature. He would be the most natural replacement for Sterling and evidence so far indicate that he is a far better player.

Liverpool are also close to a deal for Southampton right back Nathaniel Clyne, who is believed to have turned down Manchester United, in favour of a move to Anfield. He is the perfect replacement for the departed Glen Johnson and can slot straight in at right back.

In attack, the Reds were thought to be keen on Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke, though have been deterred by the Belgian’s release clause which is in excess of £30m.

While Sevilla’s Carlos Bacca is an unrealistic alternative with the Colombian apparently wanting to stay with the Spanish side, their next port of call could be more successful. Zenit St Petersburg striker Jose Rondon, who is currently lighting up the Copa America with Venezuela could turn out to be a great signing.

At 25, he is the perfect age and has all the raw qualities to succeed in the Premier League, including desire, a trait that Rodgers values.

Reports elsewhere suggest Liverpool have the all-clear to snap-up breakthrough Lyon star Alexandre Lacazette, 24, though with the player valued at £35m and only one, albeit sensational goal-scoring season behind him, the jury is out on whether he would be value for money.

Areas that cannot be ignored however, are at centre back and goalkeeper. Simon Mignolet simply has too many errors in him, and now would be the time to push for a top stopper such as Villarreal’s Sergio Asenjo.

There have been concerns over whether Liverpool can spend big and how much resources they have available to them, however with Financial Fair Play regulations slackening slightly, the Reds have an almost bottom-less pit with FSG as their backers and they will spend if necessary to take the club to the next level.

As for Sterling, any lucrative sale for him can be considered deserved dividend for troubles past.