Raheem Sterling's agent Aidy Ward has made a statement claiming that reports of the youngster's desire to leave Liverpool have been 'blown out of proportion'.

Last night, it was reported that the 20-year-old plans to tell manager Brendan Rodgers this week that he will not sign a new contract at Anfield.

It has been claimed that the England international feels bullied into agreeing a fresh deal, which is reportedly worth £100,000 a week, and is upset with the Merseyside club for failing to protect him from recent negative headlines.

However, the youngster's representative has played down the reports by telling talkSPORT: "The story has been blown somewhat out of proportion. Raheem and his representatives have a meeting scheduled with Liverpool later this week and we will take proceedings from there."

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher heavily criticised his ex-teammate last night and urged him to 'keep his mouth shut' with regards to contract talks.

Sterling, who has been linked to Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid, has two years remaining on his current deal.