Raheem Sterling contract: Steven Gerrard urges forward to sign new deal at 'perfect' Liverpool

The Reds have offered the youngster a new contract

Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling with Brendan Rodgers (GETTY IMAGES)

Steven Gerrard has urged Raheem Sterling to sign a new contract at Liverpool, saying he hopes the youngster gets the "right advice" from his advisors.

The 20-year-old was exceptional leading the line against Bournemouth in midweek and ended the 17-game goal drought that has been a significant contributory factor to the problems Rodgers’ team have encountered this season. “It’s the haircut, isn’t it?” said Gerrard. “No one recognised him when he came in. He knocked about 10 years off with that haircut."

Sterling has been offered a new contract worth around £70,000-a-week, however he turned it down, opting to keep his options open. Real Madrid have consistently been linked with a move whilst Bayern Munich have also started showing signs of interest. That interest is unsurprising considering his role in nearly taking Liverpool to the title last year and the type of plaudits to be emanating from the Liverpool captain.

“He’s great to watch, great to play with, he’s got that pace. When you look up he’s always giving you an option and that’s what I’ve thrived on throughout my career at Liverpool with the likes of [Fernando] Torres, [Michael] Owen," said Gerrard, who has a contract offer from Liverpool on the table himself.

"There’s nothing better as a midfielder when you look up and see pace running in behind. Hopefully it will continue because it stretches teams and creates chances.

“I think he can play anywhere along the front, he’s that intelligent. He’s got to keep learning, he’s got to keep wanting it. I hope he signs a new contract at the club because I think this club is perfect for him, certainly for the next few years.

“He’s going to play most weeks, the fans love him here. He can progress here and become a top, top player here, so I hope the people around him give him the right advice because he should stay here.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers also recently expressed his hope that Sterling would remain at Anfield.

“He [Raheem] is a real catalyst and a talisman for this team. I think he has been a great example of the progress that a lot of the players have made here, going from an 18-year-old player to being one of the top young players in English football.

“The club, I’m sure, will work very hard [to keep Sterling]. Raheem is happy here and he loves being a Liverpool player.

“So I’m sure that between them and his representatives we can get a deal done which will see him continue to develop what is an exciting career.”