Even though he recognizes Raheem Sterling as a key player for Liverpool, coach Brendan Rodgers stated today the team will no be "held ransom" over a contract extension for the English player. Following Steven Gerrard's comments on Saturday about the player's future, Rodgers said the Reds have taken steps forward to signing Sterling, but will not go crazy offering big numbers for the Jamaican-born wingman.
"Raheem is going to get rewarded. He has been offered a wonderful deal, an incredible deal for a young player. He is very happy here and you can see that in his play. We are certainly not going to be a club that gives out way, way above what they are worth. We reward our best players," Rodgers stated.
Sterling has stalled contract negotiations with the Reds for quite a few months, mostly after being reportedly sought out by Real Madrid to fortify their attack. The player is under contract until 2017, but Rodgers wants his future to be sorted out quickly before some other team gets into the player's head.
"It is very important for young players to have something to strive for and if they get too much too soon it will sabotage their development. Raheem has been outstanding since he was put in the team but you have to remember this was a 17-year-old who was put into the team. We believe this is the best place for him. But you have to leave something there for the next one for them to progress," Liverpool's coach added.
