Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has insisted that the club have no intention of selling Raheem Sterling, but has confirmed that contract talks are on hold.
The England international, who has two years left on his deal, recently revealed that he has rejected an offer of £100,000 a week from the Merseyside outfit.
Widespread reports have suggested that the 20-year-old could leave Anfield at the end of the season, especially after the youngster admitted that he was 'flattered' by reports linking him to Arsenal.
However, Ayre has calmed speculation by insisting that the club are keen to keep Sterling at Anfield for the long term.
"Raheem's agent has asked that we park all discussions regarding his future until the summer," Sky Sports News quotes Ayre as saying.
"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."
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked to the player.
Danielle Joynson
