Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling 'offered incredible deal' to stay at Anfield

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has sent a stinging warning to players negotiating new contracts, which include Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson, that the club will not pay over the odds to retain their star names.

Sterling and Henderson are locked in negotiations over new deals at Anfield but neither are any closer to extending their contracts which expire in 2017 and 2016 respectively, with imminently outgoing captain Steven Gerrard concerned over the pair's future.

The terms of Sterling's contract have caused debate with the new £100,000-a-week deal coming after less than two seasons of the 20-year-old becoming a regular fixture in the Liverpool first team but Rodgers insists the Reds are not overpaying to keep their best players.

"It will be resolved very soon. Both [Sterling and Henderson] have shown their worth here," he said.

"It's an incredible deal for a young player. I've spoken to Raheem a number of times, he's very, very happy. He's been granted an opportunity to play here, and they get rewarded - but we're not a club to give way, way above what a player is worth at the certain time of their career.

"I'm not talking about Raheem, but in general. We want to reward our best talents, a big part of the future. If they get too much, too young, it can really sabotage their development. That's why we communicate a lot with players and advisers.

"In Raheem's case he's been outstanding but we must not forget he was a 17-year-old boy given an opportunity – in the two and a half years, he's been outstanding, but he still has a long way to go. This is the place for him to develop, and he knows that as well."

Both Sterling and Philippe Coutinho are fit for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday (10 February) despite coming off against Everton, while Adam Lallana is also set for a return from a calf problem.

Lucas Leiva will however be assessed after going off after 16 minutes of Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Everton at Goodison Park with a groin injury and Daniel Sturridge will continue to be monitored as his comeback from a long-term lay-off continues to be staggered.

"Lucas will miss a bit of time," the Liverpool boss stated. "We are waiting on the results of his scan. But others should be fine.

"He's [Sturridge] obviously been training for a bit of time, there will be a time when he can start – whether that's tomorrow or the weekend, we'll have to see."