Man Utd, Liverpool battle for QPR superkid Raheem Sterling

Manchester United and Liverpool are attempting to close a deal for QPR superkid Raheem Sterling.

The People says Rangers boss Jim Magilton is so impressed by the 14-year-old striker - who is rated as highly as the young Wayne Rooney - he allowed him to train with the first team last week.

And the plan is to give him his debut soon after his 15th birthday next month to break the record of Barnsley's Reuben Noble-Lazarus who made his debut at 15 years and 45 days last season.

Sterling, a lightning-quick forward, already plays for Rangers Under-18s but QPR are scared that a major offer will be tabled. Sterling and his agent were VIP guests at Liverpool's clash with United last Sunday as rumours abound of a £1million offer from one of the elite clubs.

Rangers will offer Sterling a fast track into their senior side, hoping it will convince him to stay. But it looks a losing battle as Sterling missed a meeting where he was due to sign a YTS contract and headed for the game at Anfield.