Raheem Sterling has put contract talks on hold until the summer , Brendan Rodgers has confirmed . Liverpool have been in negotiations for several months with the 20-year-old and his agent over a deal to replace the old one which expires in 2017 . And the Reds boss confirmed it will not be resolved until after this season 's conclusion . Liverpool 's Raheem Sterling has put his contract talks on hold until the summer , Brendan Rodgers has said . Sterling 's current deal runs until 2017 , and he had been in negotiations with Liverpool over an extension . 'Not between now and the end of the season , ' said Rodgers . 'It has been made clear by Raheem 's agent . I repeat that this is the best place for his development and it is clear . ' Sterling is set to start as Liverpool face a huge clash with Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday , with a place in the top four of the Premier League at stake . 'It is an important game , ' continued Rodgers . ' I do n't think the result will have an overriding factor but it will certainly give you a great boost psychologically if we were to win . We want to win , we want to be competitive . ' Rodgers also confirmed that captain Steven Gerrard , who returned from injury at Swansea on Monday night , will have a big part to play between now and the end of the season , but refused to say whether he would be guaranteed a start or not . Liverpool boss Rodgers ( right ) believes that Anfield is the right place for Sterling to continue his development . Rodgers also backed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard ( left ) , saying he is committed to the team . 'It is very simple with me and Steven , ' said Rodgers . ' I think it has been really unfair on the boy . 'When he was out injured , people tried to sensationalise a story about him getting in the team . It might not be the story you want but he is committed to the team . But his support to Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen has been fantastic . I see people trying to predict the team but he has n't been fit . He is going to have a big part to play , and is a wonderful , wonderful player who has so much still to give . 'Even when he does n't start , he comes off the bench and gives calmness to the team . Playing or not playing , Steven 's professionalism is outstanding . He is fit , available and whether he starts or comes off the bench , he will be ready to make a contribution . '
Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling has put contract talks on hold . The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer and wants to leave Anfield this summer.