Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is confident Raheem Sterling's contract situation will be sorted in the near future in an attempt to fight off interest from several Premier League rivals.

The 18 year old has enjoyed his break-through season at Anfield, playing a significant part in Brendan Rodgers' tenure as manager as well as earning his first England cap against Sweden in November.

With Sterling out of contract at the end of the season, both Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with moves for the teenager, but Rodgers is keen for Liverpool to sign the winger up on a long-term deal.

Raheem Sterling
Sterling is yet to pen a new deal at Liverpool.

"I am sure it will be resolved," he said.

"He is a good boy, he has got that special ability when things are going on that he doesn't get involved. He just focuses on his football. Hopefully, it stays that way."

Both Arsenal and United have been linked with moves for Sterling in the January transfer window after his impressive start to life with Liverpool in the top flight.

With Theo Walcott having yet to sign a new deal at Arsenal and United's Portuguese winger Nani having been linked with moves abroad, both clubs could use with additional resources in the wide areas.

Sterling has made 16 league appearances this season, while also featuring in the Liverpool's League Cup and Europa League campaigns,

Rodgers hasn't hesitated in blooding a number of the club's younger faces, with Suso and Andre Wisdom among those who have received consistent first-team opportunities, but in the case of Sterling, the Northern Irish boss admits he is due a rest.

"There is no doubt Raheem is one who does need that breather," Rodgers conceded. "I've thought about it over the past couple of weeks. In order to do that you need to have that depth to take him out and put somebody else in.

"That's something I'm thinking about - who to put in. He's a naturally very, very fit boy but he needs that mental rest as well.

"For the kid, it's about efficiency as well, tactically he's still very young. That time will come and he will get the breather soon enough."

Manchester United FC