THE long-running saga involving Liverpool and England forward Raheem Sterling shows just how out of touch with reality footballers really are.

Here we have a promising young player who is making a name for himself at one of England’s biggest clubs.

He is already being handsomely paid to the tune of £35,000 a week and has more than two years left to run on that contract. Yet, Sterling has turned down an offer of £100,000 a week and is instead digging his heels in over a new contract.

This is player-power at its worst.

By saying it’s not about the money only makes him look even more out of touch.

At just 20-years-old, it is worth remembering that Sterling doesn’t know any different.

As far as he is concerned, players have always commanded astronomical wages so probably doesn’t seen the absurdity of his actions.

For all his potential, Sterling hasn’t achieved anything yet. He scores goals for Liverpool but is yet to play in the Champions League and his goal for England in last month’s Euro 2016 qualifier victory over Lithuania was his first for his country in 14 games.

While this isn’t a bad record, it’s hardly one that should allow him to call the shots.

Liverpool should stand firm and tell him he’s going to see out his contract at Anfield.

Even if that means him rotting in the reserves.

But, of course, the modern day player, and those who advise them, hold all the cards, so Sterling will either get the huge contract at Liverpool or at another club.