'I'm no money-grabber' - Liverpool's Sterling

Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling rejected suggestions he was "money-grabbing" in an interview aired on Wednesday, after his talks over a new contract hit an impasse.

The 20-year-old England star's future has become the subject of intense speculation in the British media as Liverpool attempts to extend his current contract beyond its 2017 expiry date.

Reports claim Sterling has turned down a new deal worth about $148,320 per week but he said claims he was holding Liverpool to ransom were wide of the mark.

"I don't want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old," said Sterling.

"I just want to be seen as the kid that loves to play football and wants to do the best for the team.

"I would never want the fans to think bad of me, to think I just want as much money for myself. I want them to understand it's been a bit much for me this season, with everyone talking about it every minute."

Jamaica-born Sterling joined Liver-pool from Queens Park Rangers' youth academy in 2010 and broke into the first team under manager Brendan Rodgers during the 2012-13 season.

He was one of the key players in the team that narrowly missed out on last season's Premier League title and has won 14 England caps, scoring his first international goal in last Friday's 4-0 win over Lithuania.

Sterling, who has scored 10 goals for Liverpool this season, said if he was offered the same terms a year ago, he would probably have agreed.

"If, at that point in time, I was offered a contract, I most definitely would have signed straight away, probably for far less money than being said now," he said.