Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he has no intention of allowing Raheem Sterling to leave Liverpool this summer, in the wake of intense speculation linking the winger with a move away from the club.
The 20-year-old revealed in an interview with BBC Sport earlier this week that he has put discussions over a new £100,000-a-week deal at Anfield on hold for the time being.
This has only further fuelled talk of a summer switch for the England international, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich all said to be closely monitoring any developments.
However, speaking to reporters this afternoon, Rodgers categorically ruled out cashing in on the youngster at the end of the season.
"I'm quite relaxed about it. It's part of the modern game," the Northern Irishman said. "He has got two-and-a-half-years left on his contract and is going nowhere this summer. He has a lot of improvements to make, but this is a great place for him."
"My focus is purely on his football. That's my only concentration. I have said the intention of the player and the club was to put [talks] on hold. Raheem's ambition is to win trophies and that's perfectly aligned with what we're trying to do. This is one of the great clubs."
Manuel Pellegrini and Arsene Wenger have both moved to play down links with a move for Sterling.
Daniel Lewis
