Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey says Raheem Sterling could be the 'new Shaun Wright-Phillips' if he leaves Anfield.

The 20 year-old attacker, whose agent is set for crunch talks with Anfield chief Ian Ayre on Friday amidst reports that he will request permission for Sterling to seek a transfer, has been advised by the veteran target man to continue his development on Merseyside.

Heskey said: "Shaun was England's hottest prospect after coming through and doing so well at Manchester City, but then he moved to Chelsea where he was not playing anywhere near as regularly.

"That possibly slowed his development as a player, and in the end Shaun stagnated and he went from the hottest prospect to someone who struggled to get a game.

"Raheem is a good player and has shown plenty of potential, but maybe the contract talk got to him in the second half of the season because his form did dip."