Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is ‘absolutely adamant’ that Raheem Sterling will sign a new contract in the near future.
The England international, 19, is in contract talks with the club amid reports linking him with UEFA Champions League powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
However, when asked if he believes Sterling wants to stay at Anfield, Rodgers said: “Yes. Absolutely adamant. I don’t think there is anything other than that.
“His agent is a good agent and he understands this is the perfect place for him.”
Rodgers added: “It’s not a big issue for us. Ian Ayre has spoken with his representatives and he 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.
“Also, to continue with his development because he still has a lot of growth and for that the best place for him to be is here. His representatives respect that and the club respects that. So that will get sorted out in time.”
Sterling is currently earning £50,000-a-week on Merseyside, but a new deal could see his wages double or even triple, which would match the £150,000-a-week deal given to Daniel Sturridge last week.
If the rumours are true and Real Madrid make a summer move for the Sterling, Liverpool would be in serious danger of losing one of the English football’s best young talents.
The Daily Mail‘s Martin Samuel has suggested that Liverpool must perform if they wish to keep Sterling, and rightly so.
A win over West Bromwich Albion is a step in the right direction. However, you get the feeling the Reds will need to secure a top-four finish to keep Sterling at Anfield.
Shaqiri hints at unhappiness
Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri will ‘give everything’ to make the most of his current situation at the Allianz Arena.
The Switzerland international, who joined Bayern from Basel in a deal worth €11.6 million in 2012, submitted a transfer request in the summer.
Shaqiri, the subject of reported interest from Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, and Juventus during the summer transfer window, was keen to move on after limited first-team opportunities in Munich last season.
However, the Swiss winger–whose current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2016–was not allowed to leave the club.
“I’ve still got a contract until 2016 and the club have already told me I won’t be going anywhere so I’ve just got to accept that,” Shaqiri told Sport1.
“For as long as I am here, I will give everything I’ve got.
“I try to do my best in training and when the coach rewards me with appearances, like today against Hannover, then that’s even better.
“I’m always delighted when I can start games, and I show that too, like I did this time.
“I think everybody could see how hungry I am to play football.”
All things considered, the departure of Toni Kroos to Real Madrid has given Shaqiri slightly more first-team opportunities in 2014/15.
Shaqiri has played in five of the club’s first seven Bundesliga matches, tallying one assist.
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