ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti believes Raheem Sterling will extend his current contract with Liverpool in the coming weeks.
ESPN FC’s Tommy’s Smyth breaks down the news that Raheem Sterling is reportedly close to signing a new contract with Liverpool.
The ESPN FC panel discuss which Merseyside club, Liverpool or Everton, need a derby victory most.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Daniel Sturridge could start his first game for Liverpool since returning from injury in the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has urged the club to act quickly in securing the long-term services of Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson with new deals.
“They need to sign him [Raheem] now,” Gerrard said in an interview with Sky Sports according to the Guardian.
He knows what I want him to do. Not just him, Jordan Henderson as well. When I was coming through at Liverpool, every time you got within a couple of years left your contract would be renewed and there would no worrying or panic stage but I see Henderson with a year left and I see Sterling — it is in the paper too much — and I know there is no smoke without fire.
“So, for me, the message to the club is to get these done sharpish because these are the future of the club and I want to watch this team do well, in cup finals and challenging for the league.”
Last week, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insisted that Sterling had a new contract “in hand” and expressed optimism a deal was on the horizon.
Steven Gerrard says it’s vital youngsters Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson remain with the club.
Rodgers told a news conference last Thursday that a deal was “very imminent,” while sources had also said Sterling was on the verge of signing a new deal.
“I think it’s all in hand with the football club and his representatives,” Rodgers said. “Raheem’s playing very well at the moment. I spoke to him and he’s very happy.
“He’s happy with his progress. He’s a real sponge for learning and he knows he’s in the right place to develop.”
Sterling’s current contract runs until 2017.
In October, Liverpool put pen to paper on a long-term pact for forward Daniel Sturridge. Days after, Henderson, whose current deal runs out in less than two years, told reporters a similar contract “shouldn’t be an issue,” expressing his desire to remain at Liverpool for many years to come. But as of yet, no accord has been reached with the 24-year-old vice-captain.
Gerrard’s comments come days after the club signed another of their talented youngsters, Phillipe Coutinho, to a deal that will keep the 22-year-old Brazilian at Anfield until 2020.
“Those players, Sterling, Henderson — Coutinho and Sturridge who just signed up — they are the ones who are going to deliver so it’s vital they get them done before it is too late,” warned Gerrard.
Information from Mike Whalley and PA Sport was used in this report.