Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has hit out at winger Raheem Sterling for "taking on" the club over a new contract.

Widespread reports have suggested that Sterling will tell the club that he wants to leave at the end of the season after a lengthy contract dispute.

He has allegedly rejected an offer of £100,000 per week, and Carragher insists that his image could be damaged.

He told Sky Sports News: "For a 20-year-old kid and his agent to be taking on the club, there's nothing worse than that. Forget his performances and forget how much money he wants, you just keep your mouth shut and get on with playing football.

"He'll move on in years to come but how will he be thought of for the rest of his career? You've got to think about how you will be thought of, as well as just your ability. And it's about time his agent stopped leaking stories, never mind the football club leaking stories.

"He doesn't need to move clubs in my opinion. For his football development, he needs to stay at Liverpool. He plays every week."

Manchester City and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the England international.