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Jordon Ibe has 'more natural ability than Raheem Sterling' - Redknapp

Jamie Redknapp has backed Jordon Ibe's decision to quit Liverpool for Bournemouth and says the winger has more natural ability than Raheem Sterling.

Ibe, 20, joined the Cherries in a £15 million club record deal, but former Liverpool and Bournemouth player Redknapp insists the England under-21 international's value could double within two years.

"I think it's a great piece of business for Bournemouth," Redknapp told the Bournemouth Echo. "Although it's a lot of money, when you look at the current climate he is the sort of player who in a couple of years could be worth double that because he's got fantastic pace and can dribble and shoot.

"I'd like to see him add more goals to his game but I think he'll be a fantastic signing and especially given he will be working with Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall, who get the best out of young players. Bournemouth is a great place to learn and develop and he fits what the club wants. Before you know it, he could be in the England squad."

Redknapp also compared Ibe to Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, insisting he could surpass the man who moved from Liverpool to the Etihad for £49m.

"I think he has more natural ability than Raheem Sterling," he said. "Anything Raheem Sterling struggles with, Jordon Ibe can do. I would hate to play against him with his pace and power."