Former Liverpool winger John Barnes has warned Raheem Sterling about setting his ambitions too high , too soon . The 20-year-old is currently locked in contract negotiations with the Reds after rejecting what manager Brendan Rodgers described as an 'incredible ' offer , reportedly £100,000-a-week . His current deal is not due to expire until 2017 but the current impasse in talks - which will not resume until the end of the season - has led the youngster to be linked with a number of Europe 's top clubs . There has been much speculation over the future of Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling ( centre ) Sterling , who is currently on international duty with England , is in the process of negotiating a new contract . Barnes believes it would be a mistake , however , for Sterling to go looking for a multi-million pound move before he has properly proved himself . ' I would advise any young player who has been in the game for one or one and half years to stay and learn his trade , ' he told talkSPORT . 'Show consistency over a four or five-year period before you make a big move , because then he will be judged as a £50million player . ' I do n't think he is ready for a move to Real Madrid , Barcelona or Manchester City . Talks have finished until the end of the season , but there has been speculation over a big-money move abroad . Former Liverpool winger John Barnes believes that Sterling should stay and learn his trade at Anfield . 'As a Liverpool fan I want him to stay but I think himself he needs to be very careful . 'Unfortunately the bad advice often sounds the most lucrative and therefore the best advice . 'Has he been playing consistently well over a long time ? No he has n't , and maybe his form has suffered because of the whole situation about that ( contract ) . ' Barnes said recent history is littered with examples of poor decisions and failures by young players and he did not want Sterling to make the same mistake . 'We saw it with Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell , who both went to Man City . Where are they now ? ' he added . ' I think any young player should show a level of consistency where you are happy and people accept you and then if you want to put yourself under pressure by making a big money move do that - because it can all go wrong . Sterling needs to show consistency over a four or five-year period to warrant a big move , according to Barnes . Barnes noted that Sterling should not make the same mistake as Scott Sinclair , who moved prematurely . ' I think [ he needs ] another two or three years at Liverpool and if he then decides he wants to move on then fine . ' While Sterling is still trying to establish himself as one of Liverpool 's top players , one of their very best - Steven Gerrard - will be leaving in the summer to join Los Angeles Galaxy . There have been suggestions the Reds captain 's legacy has been tarnished somewhat by his senseless sending-off against Manchester United last Sunday , coming a year after his slip against Chelsea played a huge part in the club missing out on the title . Barnes , however , dismissed such talk . 'Steven Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish are the two greatest players for Liverpool , ' he said . 'Nothing has changed because he got sent off against Manchester United and nothing will change in the rest for the season . '
ben ##nett has been linked with a move away from Liverpool . The 20-year - old is currently locked in transfer negotiations with the club . Former Reds winger ben Barnes says Sterling should stay at Liverpool . He says Sterling must learn his trade and is n't ready for a big - league move . CLICK HERE for all the latest player transfers .