Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling puts contract talks on hold

Raheem Sterling will not sign a new contract with Liverpool until the summer, manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed.

Sterling only put pen to paper on a new five-year deal in 2012 but he has been in negotiations over an improved contract since the start of the season, with Rodgers confirming that an ‘incredible deal’ had been offered to the 20-year-old.

In recent months the England international has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City and Rodgers has now revealed that he is keen to put contract talks on hold until the summer.

“It has been made clear by Raheem and his representatives that he wants to concentrate on his football and see what can be resolved in the summer,” Rodgers told reporters on Friday.

Sterling has made 42 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring ten goals for the club, and Rodgers believes he should remain at Liverpool if he wants to continue to improve.

“For his development, this is the best place for him to be,” Rodgers added.

“I am sure it will be resolved and the concentration for Raheem is now on his football and it is clear the terms of when those talks will begin again.”

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