Exclusive – Sterling is being misguided and is doing Liverpool a disservice, claims McAteer

Raheem Sterling is doing Liverpool a disservice by turning down a new contract at Anfield, believes former Reds star Jason McAteer.

The 20-year-old attacker, whose current deal is due to end in 2017, has reportedly turned down a huge offer from the club, who are keen to tie him down as quickly as possible.

And McAteer feels the player is being poorly advised as the protracted talks continue to stall, with more planned in the summer.

He told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “It’s stop-start on these contract negotiations. It’s a little bit messy. It looks like [Raheem Sterling] is holding out for something.

“You know how the football world works, someone will be in his ear telling him this and that. I think he’s just got to knuckle down and let his performances do the talking.

“Liverpool is the right place for him, certainly for the next two or three seasons where he’s going to develop and play every week in the first team. He’s under a good manager and it’s a good young team as well.

“There are rumours of him going to Barcelona or Real Madrid, but then it’s all about a culture change.

“I just think he’s being misguided somewhere along the line. The club and Brendan will be telling him all the right things.

“Brendan is a good young coach with great ideas who has worked with youngsters before. He’s a good man manager as well and Liverpool is a massive club.

"I think he’s doing them a disservice by saying he wants to leave because Liverpool are on the up.”