COMMENT: Right now. At this time. Who would you take? Oscar or Raheem Sterling? If Sterling, via Aidy Ward, does slap in a transfer demand tomorrow, it doesn't have to be crisis time at Liverpool.
Indeed, there's no reason why FSG and the Reds can't finish out on top - if they can manipulate the situation to their advantage.
It's understood Sterling's stand comes as no surprise to manager Brendan Rodgers. He's been resigned to losing the England international since before Christmas. The decision to recall Jordon Ibe in January from his loan with Derby County wasn't so much about strengthening Liverpool for the second-half of this season.
Rodgers wanted to get a closer look at Ibe, fresh from a successful first team run at Pride Park, and consider whether he really is as good as Steve McClaren had been claiming during their conversations. Now Colin Pascoe, Mike Marsh and Rodgers are convinced, Ibe has the potential to match - if not surpass - Sterling at Liverpool.
So, with a readymade replacement waiting to step in, we can expect Liverpool to sell Sterling for premium price this summer. But it shouldn't be for a straight cash deal.
Suitors know Liverpool have an unhappy player on their hands. But this doesn't have to be a disadvantage.
While Manchester City have been in touch - and an enquiry from Manchester United was rejected yesterday - Sterling favours a return to London.
Arsenal and Chelsea are being linked with the former QPR junior. And both have players, potentially available, coveted by Liverpool.
At Arsenal, Theo Walcott has been mentioned in a straight swap for Sterling.
The England winger is now 26 and only on Monday expressed frustration over the lack of starts he's had this season. Walcott also made clear new contract talks, despite manager Arsene Wenger's confidence, had stalled. A move north to Anfield would guarantee Walcott first-choice status and potentially the opportunity to launch a new stage in his career as a striker.
Gunners teammate Jack Wilshere is also under consideration at Melwood. If he could prove his fitness to Liverpool's medical staff (let's not mention Loic Remy), then Rodgers would be getting a player, at still only 23, capable of bossing his midfield for the next decade.
And given neither England man is regarded by Wenger as a first-choice, Liverpool could expect some money going their way as part of any exchange.
At Chelsea, the prime candidate for a swap is obvious.
Oscar appears set to be sacrificed by Jose Mourinho this summer - just as he did with Juan Mata 18 months ago. Juventus and PSG have long been in contact with Chelsea about the Brazilian, but Liverpool could keep him in England if Sterling chose Stamford Bridge as his next destination.
We know Rodgers enjoys working with Brazilians. Philippe Coutinho dominated this week's awards night and tribalfootball.com revealed last week the manager's attempts to sign SC Braga midfielder Danilo while still with Vasco da Gama.
If Oscar arrived at Anfield for Sterling, there'd be few Reds disappointed. Rodgers, like with the Arsenal duo, would be getting a readymade Premier League player and FSG invaluable positive PR after a difficult 12 months.
A straight cash deal will be tempting. But Rodgers doesn't have another year to waste bedding down potential world-beaters brought in from foreign leagues. He's needs readymade Premier League signings. Players capable of making an instant impact.
Using Sterling to find that game-breaker is an opportunity Liverpool can make work.