British football's biggest transfer saga exploded into controversy today with Sterling's representative Aidy Ward going on the attack.
, who is also being pursued by City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
But the man who holds the power over Sterling's next move has suggested he is most likely to head to the Etihad or Stamford Bridge - because he will NOT be signing a new deal at Anfield.
"I don't care about the PR of the club and the club situation," Ward said. "I don't care.
"He is definitely not signing. He's not signing for £700, £800, £900 thousand a week. He is not signing.
"My job is to make sure I do the best with them (my clients). If people say I am bad at my job, or they are badly advised it does not matter.
"I am not worried. Worried is making a decision not knowing what is going to happen. Every Premier League club will make a bid for him."
Ward has been criticised for his handling of Sterling, 20, but he has angrily hit back at Reds legends Graeme Souness, Mark Lawrenson and most aggressively Jamie Carragher.
"Carragher is a knob," Ward told London Evening Standard.
"Any of the criticism from current pundits or ex-Liverpool players - none of them things matter to me. It is not relevant."
Ward, who worked at agency Impact Sports Management before setting up his own company, also has West Brom striker Saido Berahino as a client and used to represent Arsenal ace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Happy birthday to my agent Aidy ward. Been a big part of my career thus far... Hope u had a good 1 bro
— Alex Ox-Chamberlain (@Alex_OxChambo) The 34-year-old from Bromley, Kent, certainly doesn't lack confidence and has controversially blamed Liverpool for the furore over Sterling's future.
"How did this all occur? There is no smoke without fire," he said.
Sterling is unlikely to move abroad - according to Ward - as he is not yet ready.
"There were stories three months ago that he could play for Real Madrid, that he could play for Barcelona…. Absolute tosh, he's a million miles away from that," he said.