Reports indicate that Raheem Sterling may be set to reject another contract extension offer from Liverpool, as he holds out for an increase in wages, despite Brendan Rodgers' claim that an "incredible" offer is on the table.
Radio station Talksport have suggested that the 20-year-old, who has become hugely influential in the Liverpool side and has nine goals in all competitions this term, has been told by agents that they can attract better terms elsewhere.
There will inevitably be major interest in Sterling's situation, with the likes of Spanish giants Real Madrid reportedly sniffing around the player. But, Brendan Rodgers insisted he will not look to pay "way, way" more to keep a hold of Sterling as he prepares his side to take on Tottenham Hotspur in an important clash this Tuesday.
Rodgers told reporters in his pre-match press conference: "Raheem has been offered a wonderful deal for a young player. He’s still developing but he’s made a wonderful start this past couple of years. He is getting his rewards for that.
"I’m just saying, what I think the club are offering. It’s an incredible deal for a young player," said the Northern Irishman, who is largely responsible for the youngster's blossom into the player he currently he is after allowing him the breakthrough into the first-team.
"He’s very, very happy here and you see that in his play. What he has had here is an opportunity to play," Rodgers continued, before adding that he would not bow down to any agent's demands.
"But we’re certainly not a club that is going to give way, way above what a player is worth at a certain time in their career. I’m not just talking about Raheem here, I’m talking about any young player," he insisted.
But yet, whilst Rodgers insisted he is not talking directly of the Sterling situation, he is clearly alluring to it - and just a few weeks after telling the club's website that a deal would be done soon, the contract signing may be further away than the Liverpool manager first though.
"It’s very important young players have something to strive for. If they get too much too young it can sabotage their development for me. It’s about mapping out the career of a young player."
Talksport claim that Sterling's contract offer has been on the table well over a month, but that he has come no closer to signing as he ponders his options.
The ex-Queens Park Rangers youth starlet is one of the most highly-rated prospects in European football, with domestic rivals Chelsea and Manchester City keeping tabs on him, but Rodgers was quick to state that Merseyside is the best place for him.
"In Raheem’s case he’s been outstanding but we mustn’t forget it’s a 17-year-old who’s been given at opportunity at Liverpool Football Club.
"In the two and a half years since he’s came in he’s been fantastic but he still has a long way to go, there’s a lot to do in his development. We believe here will be the best place for him and I think he does too."
Despite sealing new long-term contracts for Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge in the last few months, there is still obviously some work to be done to ensure Sterling's growth continues at Anfield, but Rodgers was a little more positive on the news that Jordan Henderson would be soon extending his contract.
Rodgers said of his vice-captain: "Jordan is a fantastic player who has shown his worth. Hopefully the deal will come soon."