Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Raheem Sterling has been offered an ‘incredible’ contract to stay at Liverpool.
The Reds have been locked in negotiations with the 20-year-old for several months, yet Sterling is still to sign an extension at the club.
That has seen reports link the forward with big money moves to the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris St Germain, and despite Rodgers remaining confident the England international will sign, he said the club was not going to be held to ransom over wages.
“It’s an incredible deal for a young player. I’ve spoken to Raheem a number of times, he’s very, very happy,” the northern Irishman told reporters ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Tottenham.
“He’s been granted an opportunity to play here, and they get rewarded – but we’re not a club to give way, way above what a player is worth at the certain time of their career.
“I’m not talking about Raheem, but in general. We want to reward our best talents, a big part of the future.
“If they get too much, too young, it can really sabotage their development. That’s why we communicate a lot with players and advisers.
“In Raheem’s case he’s been outstanding but we must not forget he was a 17-year-old boy given an opportunity – in two-and-a-half years he’s been outstanding, but he still has a long way to go.
“This is the place for him to develop, and he knows that as well.”
