Backheel Breakfast: Raheem Sterling is done with Liverpool

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Raheem Sterling has told Brendan Rodgers that he wants to leave Liverpool, and he's going to hold talks with the team this week about a potential new contract or exit. Other club officials are going to get involved and attempt to convince him to stay, but it seems unlikely that more money is going to do the trick.

According to John Cross, Sterling doesn't think Liverpool can challenge for major honors. He wants to go to a club that he thinks has a much better chance of winning trophies, so his discussions with the club are probably going to center around their plans to build a great squad, not his contract figures.

Given Liverpool's current situation, that's going to be a tough sell. They're missing out on Champions League, while Daniel Sturridge won't be fit to start next season. Rodgers and Co. better have one hell of a transfer window plan ready.

In the news

QPR have hired Chris Ramsey permanently, despite their relegation. (QPR)

Blackpool are down to seven players, and three of those are probably leaving anyway. (Guardian)

Manchester City have reportedly offered James Milner a four-year contract. (ESPN FC)

English referee Martin Atkinson will preside over the Europa League final. (AS)

Milan's CEO says they'll have a "big transfer campaign" this summer. (Football Italia)

Sam Allardyce and West Ham will officially part ways this week. (Telegraph)

You should be reading

Mike Goodman on why Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is fine with 17th place. (Grantland)

Swiss Rambler on Middlesbrough's finances. (Swiss Ramble)

Mike Nevin on Steven Gerrard and revisionist history. (The Set Pieces)

Fun with transfer rumors

The section in which nothing should be taken seriously. It's rumor season, so this section will be expanded, and as the summer rolls on, will probably be bigger than the actual news section.

James Milner doesn't look likely to take that big contract offer. He'd rather go to Arsenal. (Star)

Milan look like the most likely team to sign teenage starlet Jose Mauri. (Football Italia)

Scott Sinclair is expected to join Aston Villa permanently. (Express)

Kevin Wimmer to Tottenham is virtually a done deal. (Mirror)

Monday's games

Chelsea's 3-0 loss to West Brom was pretty funny. (We Ain't Got No History)

Napoli stayed alive in the Champions League race by beating Cesena. (The Siren's Song)

What to watch on Tuesday (click for listings, all times ET)

Emelec vs. Tigres UANL (9 p.m.) - Tigres were bounced out of the Mexican playoffs this weekend, which is fine by them. They wanted to concentrate on the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals, and travel to Ecuador in Tuesday's only major game of consequence.