Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has suggested that both parties are to blame for the handling of Raheem Sterling's ongoing contract saga at the club.

The 20-year-old has been widely criticised for his handling of the situation and was booed by a section of supporters when accepting the club's Young Player of the Year award on Tuesday night.

However, although Hamann thinks that the winger has been "badly advised", he stressed that Sterling is well within his rights to look for a better deal elsewhere.

"I think Liverpool needs players who are committed now and if he feels his future is elsewhere then good luck to him. If he gets offered more money, Champions League football or a better opportunity to win trophies then that is his right to do that," Hamann is quoted as saying by PA.

"All you can do is put a price on him and if someone pays it you sell and you get other players in. It should have been handled behind closed doors because there is a lot of anger in the city now concerning Raheem Sterling for no need. I think he has been badly advised. He is a young kid and sometimes you can be led astray when people say the wrong things in your ear.

"I hope he does stay but I think the fans will be the big issue. Not many people have been too complimentary about him in recent days and that is for a reason. There are bridges to build but it has been done before. If he starts next season and scores a few goals, things would be forgotten."

Sterling has scored 11 goals in 47 appearances for the Anfield outfit this season.