Raheem Sterling to stay at Liverpool but Daniel Sturridge deal hits snag Liverpool are determined to enforce a more careful transfer strategy under Rodgers, not just in terms of the value of players but those additional fees such as wages and payments to agents. There is a feeling the club have been perceived by players" representatives as a soft touch for too long, willing to throw around Champions League salaries despite the lack of success in the Premier League. Rodgers is eager to recruit players on incentivised deals, offering salary increases when targets are met rather than simply agreeing to huge contracts. He believes it is vital to maintain the players" hunger after they have arrived at Anfield, fearing too many recruits over the last few years have walked into the training ground believing they had nothing left to prove. The recently published accounts on agents fees also made sober reading, particularly for those who claim Liverpool have been modest spenders under American owners Fenway Sports Group. Since the Premier League published figures on agents" fees for the first time, in 2009, only Manchester City (£39 million) and Chelsea (£31.8 million) have spent more than Liverpool (£31.3 million). With such figures in mind, Rodgers will walk away from the Sturridge deal rather than compromise the new transfer policy. He does intend, however, to push on with a £4 million deal for Blackpool's England under-21 winger Thomas Ince. Sterling Factfile Son of Kingston: Jamaica that is, not Surrey, but represented England in friendly in November. Call me Shaq: Middle name is Shaquille. Teen idol: He turned 18 on Dec 8. London boy: Grew up in Wembley and joined QPR as youth. Thanks Rafa: Signed by Benítez in 2010 for initial £600,000. Has made19 Liverpool appearances.