Adam Lallana: 'World-class Raheem Sterling is staying grounded'

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has hailed teammate Raheem Sterling as "world class" and claimed that the youngster is level-headed enough to not be distracted by contract talks.

The Reds have been trying to tie the England international down to a long-term deal at Anfield, and Manchester City are reportedly monitoring the situation.

Lallana told talkSPORT: "He is a great lad and he has got his feet firmly on the ground. That is probably one of the best parts about him – he just wants to play football.

"He is proving he is a team player because he has been happy to play as a wing-back, a number 10, a striker. He just wants to play football.

"His natural ability shows he is a world-class player and he is only going to go on and improve in years to come."

Sterling is the Reds' joint-top scorer alongside Steven Gerrard this term with 10 goals.