• Premier League

Liverpool open contract talks with Sterling

Liverpool have held talks with Raheem Sterling's representatives over a new contract, Brendan Rodgers has revealed.

Rodgers says that the club are "calm" and "relaxed" about Sterling's long-term future despite suggestions that he could leave.

Brendan Rodgers says Liverpool are "calm" and "relaxed" about Raheem Sterling's long-term future © Getty Images

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The winger has been linked with Real Madrid, amid reports that he is reluctant to extend a contract that currently runs until 2017.

But Rodgers believes Sterling is happy at Anfield, and has no doubts that a new deal will be sorted out. He told the Liverpool Echo: "It is not a big issue for us.

"[Chief executive] Ian Ayre has spoken to his representatives and is quite relaxed. The club is dealing with the agent, so everything is calm.

"The boy is remarkably happy here and there are no secondary thoughts about anything else other than continuing to play for Liverpool and he still has a lot of growth and for that the best place for him to be is here.

"His representatives know that and we as a club respect that so that will get sorted out with time.

"His agent is a good agent and understands that this is the perfect place for him."

The 19-year-old helped Liverpool to a nervy 2-1 Premier League win over West Brom at Anfield on Saturday, setting up Jordan Henderson's winner.

He has been one of the more consistent performers in an under-par Liverpool side this season.

But Rodgers - who attracted criticism for resting Sterling for the 1-0 league defeat at home to Aston Villa on September 13 - is aware of the need to protect him from burn-out.

He said: "As a coach and a manager, I get accused of leaving him out against Aston Villa but I'm trying to protect the kid from not just performances but from headlines.

"People are trying to write him off because he's tired. On Saturday, he put in an incredible shift and he kept going and persevering.

"This is a boy who just needs to be left to concentrate on his football.

"He is going to have good games and there will be games where he doesn't set the world alight.

"But one thing I know with Raheem is that he will always give 100 percent and do his best."

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