Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Raheem Sterling's new deal is part of his plan of building a British base to his team.

Rodgers has confirmed he expects Sterling to pen a new deal today.

"It is important for me to gain that core of young British talent we can go forward with.

"You look at Raheem, at Jonjo Shelvey at 20 who signed a new deal in the summer, and Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson who are only 22.

"It is very important going forward we can secure those signatures and, of course, we are always looking for the best players.

"But it is equally important the young players coming through the system get rewarded but also feel this is the best place for them to develop."