Football briefs: Liverpool | Redknapp | Ferguson | Leeds | Terry

AHEEM Sterling has committed his future to Liverpool by signing a “long-term” deal with the club.

Sterling, still 18, has broken into the first-team picture to great effect at Anfield this season and has so far made 25 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ men. He made his England debut against Sweden last month and with his contract on Merseyside running down, talk was rife that he could move to one of a number of potential suitors.

Redknapp reveals interest in Anelka

Nicolas Anelka is one of the names on Harry Redknapp’s shopping list as the QPR manager looks to bolster his side. Rangers lie five points adrift of safety ahead of today’s trip to Newcastle and Redknapp has targeted a January move for the former Chelsea striker, now of Shanghai Shenhua. “He is a player that is of interest to anybody,” Redknapp said. “I think he is finishing in China so he is available. He is a top player so he is a player we would be interested in.”

Ferguson rubbishes veterans exit talk

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed reports Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand will leave Manchester United at the end of the season. A report claimed Scholes had told friends he planned to retire for the second time, but Ferguson said: “I would be surprised if Paul had spoken to someone without speaking to me – and he hasn’t – so we can dismiss that. Ryan could play for another year or two. Rio has been terrific.”

Leeds consortium make pledge to fans

Leeds’ new directors promised to mend the club’s broken relationship with its fans and launch a sustained challenge for Premier League glory when their 100 per cent takeover was formally announced yesterday at Elland Road. Dubai-based investment bank GFH Capital finalised the deal to end a protracted seven-month period of uncertainty and with it, previous owner Ken Bates’ eight-year spell in charge at the Yorkshire club.

Terry may miss out on festive fixtures

John Terry could miss Chelsea’s entire festive fixture programme after Rafael Benitez admitted yesterday his recovery from knee surgery was proving more problematic than first thought. Interim manager Benitez was hopeful Terry would be fit to return for one of the Blues’ four matches over Christmas and the new year. But he stressed that he could not “guarantee” that, adding of his captain’s recovery: “It’s one step forward, one step back.”