Sterling set to sign new deal
LONDON: Liverpool’s exciting young forward Raheem Sterling has been offered “an incredible deal” to stay at Anfield for the foreseeable future, manager Brendan Rodgers said on Monday.
Sterling, 20, who has made 112 appearances for the club, is now a regular starter with nine goals in 33 appearances this season, but there has been considerable speculation he is being courted by Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“He has been offered a wonderful deal, an incredible deal for a young player of 20 who is still developing,” Rodgers told reporters on Monday ahead of the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur overnight.
“He has made some great strides in the last couple of years and he should now get the reward for that and I hope his representatives can find agreement with the club.
“It is not just a case of giving any player what they want. I am saying we want to reward our best talents — they are a big part of our future and I am confident that will all be agreed very soon.”
Rodgers has nurtured Sterling through a difficult period off the pitch over the last couple of years, when he found himself embroiled in a couple of court cases, and has been rewarded with some impressive performances from the youngster.
However, he has been keen to keep the England international grounded and he wants to ensure he and other Liverpool rookies do not get distracted by the trappings of fame and fortune.
“It is very important for young players, not just Raheem, that they have something to strive for,” he added. “If they get too much, too young then it really sabotages their development.
“In Raheem’s case we believe this will be the best place for him and I believe he knows that as well.”