Raheem Sterling latest: Liverpool ready to offer England midfielder huge pay rise to keep him out of the grasp of Real Madrid

Real are believed to be interested in signing Sterling next season but Liverpool have made it clear they see his future at Anfield

Raheem Sterling in action for Liverpool against Borussia Dortmund (Getty Images)

Raheem Sterling could be offered a mammoth pay rise and long-term contract in order to keep the England youngster out of the grasp of Real Madrid, who are rumoured to be interested in the Liverpool midfielder.

After enjoying a breakthrough season, Sterling was England’s standout player during a dismal World Cup campaign in Brazil, and the hope is that the 19-year-old will push on even further this year as Liverpool look to better their second place finish last time out.

Sterling currently earns a reported £30,000-a-week on his contract that he signed in 2012 which still has three years to run, but the Reds are keen to see one of their brightest assets remain at Anfield for the foreseeable future. As a results, they ready to reward him with a sharp increase on his deal in order to tie down his future.

Reports emerged at the end of last season that Real Madrid were looking at a shock move for Sterling with a few to the England international becoming the long-term replacement for superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

There were even suggestions that Real could move for the teenager this summer, although any move appears to be on the shelf for now following the £63m addition of James Rodriguez as well as completed moves for Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas.

However, with Luis Suarez completing his £75m move to Barcelona last month, the burden will be on Sterling to help fill the void that the Uruguayan striker has left. Having scored 31 league goals last season, Suarez was the main reason why Liverpool were competing for the title come the business end of the season, and it’ll be on the likes of Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert to make up those goals.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers spoke previously on how pleased he has been with Sterling’s development both as a player and maturing off the field.

“This kid is only going to get better. He’s way above the level from when he first came in,” raved the Northern Irishman.

“Tactically, technically, and what has been beautiful to watch with Raheem has been his maturity.

“He’s turning into a beautiful young man, with all the responsibility. He’s still only 19, but in big games he’s performed and he’s a wonderful talent.”