Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is convinced that Raheem Sterling will soon sign a new contact with the Merseyside club.
The 20-year-old has two years remaining on his current deal and is being linked with a move away from Anfield which has the club now trying to tie him down to a new contract.
“It is something the club are speaking with his representatives on and I would think that would be concluded imminently,” he said.
“The player is very happy and it (the delay) is nothing to do with Raheem. He wants to be here, so hopefully we get the solution on that very soon.”
Rodgers is also waiting on the return of striker Daniel Sturridge who has not played since the end of last August due to injury.
“We are still waiting and still working,” said the Liverpool boss. “He won’t be available for the weekend.”
Meanwhile the Northern Irishman is looking ahead to next season and thinks that his club can be contenders for the title.
Rodgers said: “The reality for us this season was, could we finish in the top four? With so many changes we weren’t going to challenge for the league.
“We were looking to win a trophy and then come next summer we will be ready to challenge for the title again.
“This year was about getting into the top four, trying to minimise the impact of so many new signings, giving them time to develop and target a trophy in the cup competitions.
“Emre Can, Mamadou Sakho, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Alberto Moreno, Javier Manquillo, Adam Lallana – all players who still have a lot to develop.
“The squad is looking exciting but needs that time to evolve. If we can get success in a cup competition this year it will provide greater motivation and stimulation for them to stay together and perform.
“Along the way you have to bring in ready-made quality to help their growth. Come the summer time that period of integration should be complete and we can challenge for the title like we did last season.”
