John Barnes believes that Raheem Sterling would be making a "bad mistake" if he decided to leave Liverpool.
Doubts over the 20-year-old's long-term future at Anfield have risen following reports that the starlet is reluctant to sign a new deal.
It is believed that the England international has been offered a fresh five-year contract worth around £70,000 a week, and despite manager Brendan Rodgers insisting that Sterling is happy at the club, the youngster is yet to put pen to paper.
"It would be a blow if Sterling leaves, but how well is he really playing to warrant more than £75,000 a week?" Barnes told the Liverpool Echo. "He's had one very good season and he's not the finished article. He still has to improve, and leaving Liverpool now would be a bad mistake.
"I think he should stay for four or five years and prove his consistency to show he can handle any situation in any country. England included. It would be a bad move for him to leave now."
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have been linked with moves for Sterling.
