Last Updated: Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:02
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says teenage ace Raheem Sterling is close to signing a new deal to ward off interest from other clubs.
The 17-year-old has been impressive for the Reds this season after being given a run in the side since Rodgers took over in the summer.
However, he remains on the same low-key contract he signed when first turning professional at Anfield and there has been speculation his head could be turned if one of the other Premier League big-boys came in for him.
Liverpool are determined to keep the England international, who made his bow for the full Three Lions side earlier this month, and have always maintained Sterling will put pen to paper on a new, long term contract when he turns 18 next month.
That has not stopped the speculation, though, and several other clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are maintaining an interest in the talented winger.
Rodgers says he has no concerns Sterling will sign what is likely to be a lucrative new deal and has brushed off suggestions he has yet to be offered a new deal or negotiations with his advisers have stalled.
"The club and his representatives are in good dialogue and good communication, and hopefully we'll get that resolved very soon," he said.
Rodgers will hope to sort out Sterling's long-term future as soon as possible as he has been a key player under the Northern Irishman this season and is set to be involved in Saturday's home clash with Southampton as the Reds aim to bounce back following the 2-1 defeat at Spurs on Wednesday.
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