Raheem Sterling's agent blamed for Liverpool transfer saga, by Morning View panel

Raheem Sterling’s agent should shoulder blame for a contract tussle played out in public, say Niall Quinn and Alan Smith.

Sterling was an unused substitute during Liverpool’s 6-1 defeat to Stoke, fuelling speculation he may have played his last game at the club.

The England international's future has been played out in public and some Liverpool supporters aimed abuse at the forward at the Britannia stadium on Sunday.

But Sky Sports' pundit Smith has pointed the finger at Sterling’s agent.

“He has come out painted the bad boy, rightly or wrongly," Smith said of Sterling. "Certainly his agent should hold his hands up and admit he probably hasn’t handled it the way he should have.

"If he wants to leave he’s entitled to run out his contract, he’s entitled to tell the club he would like to seek employment elsewhere but there are ways of doing it. I think you can sell him if he feels that way, if you can get a very nice price."

Niall Quinn believes Sterling’s agent has hung him out to dry by discussing his future in the public domain.

"If they do keep him they are seen as caving in to this sort of greed that is out there," said Quinn. "The way it has been carried in public means Raheem is a victim of his agent's input."