Manchester United enter race with Arsenal and Chelsea to sign Liverpool star Raheem Sterling

Manchester United are considering a shock move to sign Liverpool star Raheem Sterling in the summer, according to the Sun.

The 20-year-old has been linked with a move away from Anfield after Brendan Rodgers confirmed the winger has put the contract talks on hold until the end of the season. He has over two years left on his current deal at Anfield.

Since then, Arsenal have been monitoring the England international's situation as Arsene Wenger is reportedly interested in bringing Sterling to the Emirates.

Sterling turned down a £100,000-a-week offer proposed by the Merseyside club. Despite that, the Reds manager admitted their star player will not leave the club once the transfer window re-opens later this year.

Liverpool and United are arch rivals and the two clubs have not seen players moving from one club to the other for the past 80 years. Despite that, the 20-time English champions are keen on landing the player and they have already made their interest known to Sterling and his employers.

Sterling is a boyhood United fan and he himself revealed this two years ago. Sterling said: "I need to keep that [being a United supporter] quiet!"

"But when you start playing for a team, you immediately start supporting them because you want to do your best for your team and you always want them to do well."

"The older boys say that Manchester United is one of the hardest places to go. The pitch is massive and in the last 10 minutes they say it gets even bigger!" he explained in 2013.

The Telegraph reports that Liverpool have set a £50m ($74.6m) asking price for the English winger. Louis van Gaal's side are ready to pay the Reds' the money in order to secure Sterling's services.

Any move from United in making an approach will see them face an uphill task. Liverpool are unlikely to let Sterling join their fiercest rivals, even if United are serious about their interest.

United will also face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, who are also in the race in signing the talented winger. This season, Sterling has scored six goals and managed seven assists in 28 league appearances.