Graeme Souness has implored Raheem Sterling to stay at Liverpool and continue his development.

The 20-year old winger reportedly wants to leave Anfield this summer as he refuses to sign a lucrative new contract but former Reds ace Souness believes staying put and homing his craft is the best thing possible for the talented youngster.

"He's far from being the finished article," Souness told Sky Sports. "He should stay at Liverpool, learn his trade and get on with it.

"If he's privately making it known he wants to leave Liverpool, then that word would soon get out and the supporters then would be entitled to turn on him.

"They've shown great loyalty to him - when I've been there, they've supported him through thick and thin - and even when he's not had a good game, they still get behind him.

"It looks like he's turning his back on them which, if he is, would be very sad for the football club."