Raheem Sterling’s future at Liverpool has been well speculated in the media at the moment. The 20-year-old Reds winger, who won 2014 European Golden Boy award, has refused to extend his contract that runs up to 2016.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his frustrations with Sterling’s refusal to pen a new deal, as reports suggest, the young winger is demanding a wage figure in the north of £150k-wages-per week. 

Rodgers has also admitted that talks are on hold till the end of the season, which has further added fuel to the on going speculations.

Sterling has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City while Spanish press believes Real Madrid could also be interested in signing him.

Harry Redknapp has urged the former QPR player to focus on football and sign a new contract with Liverpool, and now Reds legend John Barnes has echoed on similar thoughts.

“Raheem Sterling should absolutely sign the contract and stay at Liverpool,” he told talkSPORT, via The Mirror .

“I would advise any young player who has just been in the game for a year or so to stay and learn his trade. Show a level of consistently over a four or five year period before you make a big move. You will then be judged as a £50m player.

“We’ve seen it with Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell at Manchester City. Where are they now

“Sterling is not ready for a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Manchester City. He needs another two or three years at Liverpool. Then, if he decides he wants to move on, fine. He has to be very careful though.”

A section of Liverpool fans were unimpressed with Sterling’s recent performances, and Barnes thinks the uncertainty around his future is playing on his minds hampering his performances.