Raheem Sterling latest: Brendan Rodgers expects Sterling to remain at Liverpool until 2017 - owners will show 'power and strength'
The Liverpool manager points out that a new deal is not necessary to keep Sterling at the club, but expects talks to be held over the summer
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Your support makes all the difference.Brendan Rodgers has said he expects Raheem Sterling to remain at Liverpool for at least the next two years.
The Anfield boss was talking in the aftermath of comments made by Sterling's agent who said that the England international would "definitely" be moving to a new club this summer.
Aidy Ward said that even an offer of £900,000-a-week would not be enough to tempt his client to remain at Anfield.
However, Rodgers has pointed out that no new deal is needed as Sterling has already committed his future to the club until 2017.
"Whether there are talks or no talks, Raheem has two years left and I expect him to see that through. For me it's quite simple," he said. "How we like to work is to keep everything behind closed doors. We can only control what we do."
Rodgers claimed that the club's owners, Fenway Sports Group, would not be bullied into selling Sterling, just as they refused to bow to pressure to sell Luis Suarez before allowing the Uruguayan to join Barcelona a year later.
"The ownership have shown their strength in their time here.
"They took over a club a number of years ago that was in a really critical situation and they have done an incredible job to stabilise the club and point it in the right direction.
"At every opportunity when they have had to show that strength - whether it be with a player or other elements of the club - they have done that.
"In this situation they will show that power and strength again."
Liverpool conclude their disappointing season away at Stoke City on Sunday for which Sterling could feature.
"If he is fit, which at the mo he is, Raheem is available for Sunday," said Rodgers who will not hold this week's developments against the player. "My relationship with him hasn't been affected."
Talks were scheduled to take place between Sterling and his representatives and Liverpool today, however they were cancelled by the club in the aftermath of Ward's comments. The Independent understands that the PFA could step in to mediate and Rodgers has confirmed he still expects discussions to take place.
"I'm sure talks will take place over the summer. I don't see Raheem as being unhappy."
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