Raheem Sterling's sparkling form has been one of the main shining lights in Liverpool's season so far. However, with his contract situation showing no sign of resolving itself, many Liverpool fans are understandably nervous about what the summer may hold for the talented England international.
Once again Brendan Rodgers was presented with questions about Sterling's contract today and, perhaps more than before, he was very up front about the situation. The 20 year old has a contract that runs until 2017 but, according to Rodgers, there has been a generous deal on the table for more than a month.
The club has offered an incredible deal for a young player. If they get too much, too young then it really sabotages their development.
What he has been granted here is an opportunity - we see it with lots of young players - and they get rewarded for that.
But we are certainly not a club who are going to give out way, way above what a player is worth at a certain time in a career. It is not a case of giving any player what they want.
While there has been supposed interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Rodgers firmly believes that the best choice for Sterling and his career right now is to continue his development at Liverpool.
If they are given sound advice they will see that. It is about mapping out the career of a player. It is not just about this deal. In Raheem's case, we believe this will be the best place for him and I believe he knows that as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqQUzJaO2ws
(BBC Sport)
