Raheem Sterling , following the advice of his representative Aidy Ward, has informed the Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, that the drawn-out negotiations over a new contract will not resume until this season’s campaign is over. Officially, Rodgers claimed the reason was the winger’s desire to concentrate on his football and to remove the distraction of a saga that has run since talks began in October.

Liverpool have the England international under contract until 2017, so there is no immediate threat of the gifted youngster leaving on his terms, but the latest development is a further indication of the deepening stand-off between the two parties over the terms on offer.

Rodgers has said previously that Liverpool will not pay above what they feel a player is worth and that Sterling has been offered “an incredible deal” by the club. Sterling satated that he is motivated by trophies not financial rewards after confirming he has turned down a £100,000-a-week contract offer from the Reds.

The England international, who has two years left on a contract worth £35,000 a week, insists he is not “a money-grabbing 20-year-old” and says his sole focus is playing football and achieving success with Liverpool this season.

Rumours are circulating that he won’t be re-signing with Liverpool and indeed if his contract talks break down Premier League’s big guns, the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal could all be eagerly keeping an eye on his situation.

Sterling, who joined Liverpool from QPR in February 2010 and has scored 22 goals in 122 appearances for the club.