Reds eager to sew up Sterling stay

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he expects to tie up a deal to keep Raheem Sterling at the club on a long-term deal.

The Reds are moving quickly to keep the young starlet on Merseyside, Rodgers told reporters.

“The club and his representatives are in good dialogue and good communication, and hopefully we’ll get that resolved very soon,” he said.

Sterling has made 21 appearances this season and the former Swansea boss has admitted he is slightly concerned about burning the youngster out.

Rodgers said: “There will be at some point and we’ll need to give him a breather, there’s is no question (about that).

“He’s a very young man and is still learning the game. He still has technical elements he needs to improve upon and tactical elements.

“But one of the biggest things is psychological at this level – real mental fatigue can set in.

“He’s been terrific so far. He’s got to this stage at the end of November and been absolutely brilliant, but at some point he will need that breather.

“He’s been one of our leading players, but for the benefit of Raheem it’ll be something I’ll need to consider.”