Brendan Rodgers expects Raheem Sterling to see out his contract at Anfield and claims he will be available to face Stoke City on 24 May after a hugely controversial few days for the young Liverpool forward.
With Sterlings current contract due to expire in 2017 and the player having turned down the opportunity to pen fresh terms, his agent Aidy Ward created huge controversy on 21 May after quotes attributed to him by the London Evening Standard appeared to confirm a new deal would not be agreed regardless of the financial incentives on offer.
A number of clubs are believed to be interested in signing the 20-year-old, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich among the names linked so far with a summer move for his services.
As expected, following such a dramatic outburst that reportedly led to discussions over Sterlings future slated for 22 May to be cancelled, Rodgers faced a barrage of questions regarding the players future at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to the Britannia Stadium.
Short of criticising the handling of the whole affair, though, the manager commented that he anticipates the England international will remain at Liverpool for the next two years and still believes negotiations will reconvene in the summer.
Its difficult to comment on what others speak about. Any meetings that take place here will be dealt with internally, he said. Facts are simple. Raheem has two years left on contract and I expect him to see those two years through. I dont see Raheem as being unhappy. Im sure talks will take place over the summer.
Rodgers also claimed his relationship with Sterling, who was jeered by many at Liverpools awards dinner earlier in May, remained the same despite the negative sway of public opinion in recent weeks.
He also confirmed the forward is fit and available to play in the final match of the 2014-15 season and refused to reveal publicly whether or not he was informed before the 1-1 draw with Chelsea that the former Queens Park Rangers youngster wanted to leave the club.
If he is fit, which at the moment he is, Raheem is available for Sunday. My relationship with him hasnt been affected, Rodgers continued.
What Raheem said and didnt say to me [before Chelsea] will stay between him and I. I wont sit here today and tell you about a private conversation with a player.
The ownership have shown their strength in their time here. They have done an incredible job to stabilise the club.
