Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers retains hope of convincing Raheem Sterling to pen his new deal.

Rodgers, however, accepts the task has been made more difficult after giving up on a top four finish following defeat at Arsenal.

"As long as the player can see the ambition of the club. We all know the reality of where the game is at in this country. There are bigger spenders than ourselves and more experienced squads - the model at Liverpool is different.

"Of course players will want to look at possibilities when that time comes. But when you talk specifically about Raheem - because he's got huge potential but there's still a bit to go - then I think Liverpool is the best place for him.

"He has had the opportunity to play, which is key for a young player. It is the model of Liverpool, which the owners have put in, where they want to create the world class talent. He has just turned 20. There is still a long way for him to go and he has a lot of potential. I believe that will be developed over the next coming years at Liverpool.

"It is the job of his advisors to look at the possibilities might be beyond that. But he has two and a half years left and won't be going anywhere in the summer - that's for sure. And we'll sit down again with the club and his representatives to hopefully find the solution in the summer."