Brendan Rodgers believes Raheem Sterling would be “very foolish” not to commit himself to Liverpool.
The 17-year-old winger has burst onto the scene this season, starting 13 out of 14 English Premier League matches and earning an England debut in the friendly against Sweden.
He turns 18 in a week, with the club currently in negotiations over a first professional contract.
The player has hinted that new terms can wait until his birthday and Rodgers is confident there will not be any hitches but that hasn’t stopped speculation about the teenager’s future.
Rodgers knows how valuable Sterling can be to his side but has urged him to recognise the importance of the Reds in his development.
“It’s important for the club to sign our young talent – but it’s even more important for Raheem,” Rodgers told reporters.
“If you are 17 and playing regularly, you would be very foolish not to commit yourself very quickly.
“This is a club that is going to give young players an opportunity and he has played more games than he could have dreamed of this season, both in the Premier League and the Europa League.
“Liverpool have given him the chance to become a full international player.
“If I was Raheem Sterling and his agents, I would look to tie it up very quickly.
Although Sterling has been a key performer in Rodgers’ first season at Anfield, the Northern Irishman accepts there will come a point when he will need to be rested for his own benefit.
Rodgers has no concerns about the physical demands on the player but accepts he may require a mental break.
“There will be at some point and we’ll need to give him a breather, there’s no question,” said the Reds boss.
“He’s a very young man and is still learning the game. He still has technical elements he needs to improve upon and tactical elements.
“But one of the biggest things is psychological at this level – real mental fatigue can set in.
“He’s been terrific so far. He’s got to this stage at the end of November and been absolutely brilliant, but at some point he will need that breather.”