RAHEEM STERLING’S 18th birthday will pass today without him signing a new contract – but Brendan Rodgers insists there is no reason for Liverpool FC fans to be concerned.

Talks over an extended deal are still ongoing and the manager is convinced that the teenage winger will soon put pen to paper.

Rodgers is closely involved in the negotiations as he wants to ensure the terms are right for all parties.

A desire to reward the England international for his remarkable progress since making his full debut in August has to be balanced against the pitfalls of handing the youngster too great a wage-hike so early on in his career.

“There’s good conversations and there’s no worry or concern, it’ll be resolved,” said Rodgers.

“I’m comfortable with it. I’ve spoken to the agent and I know the agent so there’s no problem. It’s just one of these things that will get done.

“There has been some time issues as his representatives were out the country. There’s been a lot made of it but there’s still 18 months left (on his current deal).

“He’s a young kid and we just want to make sure that everything’s right for him to be nurtured. I’ve always tried

to ensure that I give my point of view on it. A lot of this is about common sense.

“I don’t want the club or the kid being affected by over the odds demands. There’s a value I see in a young player that hasn’t achieved anything. All the figures that get bandied about for kids these days, it can destroy them.