Sterling Talks On Hold But Liverpool Expect Him To Stay, Says Ian Ayre

The Anfield chief executive wants the 20-year-old England international to remain at the club for a "long time" despite ongoing controversies off the field

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre says contract talks with Raheem Sterling are on hold until the end of the season, but does not expect the England international to leave the club this summer.

Sterling scored in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Monday night, but Brendan Rodgers was left to field questions regarding a video which surfaced appearing to show the forward inhaling nitrous oxide.

The 20-year-old, who has also been pictured holding a shisha pipe recently, admitted to being flattered by links to Arsenal in an interview with BBC Sport, but Ayre is confident that while negotiations over a new contract have been delayed, the club are not anticipating his departure.

"Raheem's agent has asked that we park all discussions regards his future until the summer," Ayre told Sky Sports News. "We respect that.

"Raheem is a Liverpool player and has over two years left on his contract. We expect Raheem Sterling to be here for a long time."

Sterling is Liverpool's top goalscorer in all competitions this season, finding the back of the net 13 times.