Raheem Sterling: Liverpool offer 'incredible' - Brendan Rodgers

The 20-year-old's current deal runs until 2017, but a new contract has been on the table for more than a month.

"The club has offered an incredible deal for a young player," Rodgers said.

[But] if they get too much, too young then it really sabotages their development."

Rodgers added: "It is very important for young players, not just Raheem, that they have something to strive for.

"If they are given sound advice they will see that. It is about mapping out the career of a player. It is not just about this deal.

"In Raheem's case, we believe this will be the best place for him and I believe he knows that as well.

Liverpool's first offer of £70,000 a week was more than double the 20-year-old forward's current salary, and they have now increased that offer significantly.

"While sums of £80,000, £90,000 or £100,000 a week represent a jaw-dropping amount of money to most people, Sterling is the club's top scorer this season and creator of the most chances. Captain Steven Gerrard earns around £150,000 per week, while Glen Johnson is on more than £110,000, and neither can claim to have been anywhere near as influential as Sterling this season."

"I have spoken to Raheem a number of times and he is very happy here and I think you see that in his game."

England international Sterling has been linked with Real Madrid  and Chelsea  but Rodgers said Liverpool will not pay over the odds to secure his future at Anfield.

"What he has been granted here is an opportunity - we see it with lots of young players - and they get rewarded for that," Rodgers said.

(BBC)