Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists a move to Manchester City would be a step down for Raheem Sterling. City are among a clutch of top clubs - along with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United - watching Sterling's contract stand-off at Anfield.
Rodgers said: "I wouldn't say that Anfield is a development ground for going to bigger clubs.
"If you say that Manchester City is a bigger club than Liverpool, you're wrong.
"At this moment in time Manchester City are on a great project. They're a wonderful club, I've seen it for myself a few years ago when I spoke with them.
"I've got big respect for what they're doing there. They're trying to build it the right way.
"But at this moment in time you can't compare them to us."