No summer exit for Sterling

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he
expects Raheem Sterling to see out the final two
years of his current deal, despite the bitter ongoing
contract row between player and club.
Sterling's controversial agent, Aidy Ward, insisted
on Thursday that the 20-year-old would not be
staying at Anfield even if he were offered €1.3
million per week, and also branded ex-Red Jamie
Carragher a "k***" over his criticism of the
situation.
That came on the back of a string of stories in the
media suggesting Sterling is set on finding a new
club this summer, and the Reds duly scrapped
planned talks over a new agreement.
But Rodgers says the youngster will be staying put
regardless: "It's difficult to comment on what
others speak about. Any meetings that take place
here will be dealt with internally.
"Raheem, whether there are talks or no talks, has
two years left and I expect him to see that
through.
"I'm sure talks will take place over the summer.
"I don't see Raheem as being unhappy. If Raheem
is fit, which he is, he will be available to play on
Sunday. It doesn't change my approach to him.
He's a good kid."
Widespread reports on Monday night stated that
Sterling had told Rodgers ahead of the Premier
League clash at Chelsea earlier this month that he
would be leaving the club this summer.
But the Reds boss refused to shed any light on the
rumours, insisting everything the club does will be
conducted in private.
"What Raheem said and didn't say to me [before
the Chelsea game] will stay between him and I.
"How we like to work is to keep everything behind
closed doors. We can only control what we do."
Liverpool proved their ability to keep hold of an
unsettled player, if only for one further season, by
refusing to sell Luis Suarez to Arsenal in the
summer of 2013.
And Rodgers believes the club's owners, Fenway
Sports Group, will be able to keep the Sterling
situation under control.
"The ownership have shown their strength in their
time here," he continued. "They have done an
incredible job to stabilise the club.
"Liverpool supporters always back their own
players. If he plays any part in the game, Raheem
will get the support of our fans."