text: Raheem Sterling may hold all the cards in his contract dispute with Liverpool, but he needs to focus on his football rather than his pay-packet, according to former QPR boss Harry Redknapp. Redknapp insisted that Sterling is not ready to move to the likes of Real Madrid at this stage of his career, so should stay at the club who have helped him develop so far. However, the 68-year-old also conceded that, if he wants to force a move, there is very little Liverpool can do to stop him. Raheem Sterling should focus on his football rather than his contract according to Harry Redknapp . Sterling has turned down a new deal with Liverpool and put off contract talks until the summer . 'Sterling is not going to go to Real Madrid at the moment I wouldn't think, so where could he go better in England?'  said Redknapp while working as a pundit for BT Sport. 'I think he's at a great club, he's working under a manger who obviously works hard with him on the training ground, eh's improved him. I think he needs to sign his contract and get on with his football. 'It's very hard to keep players who really make up their mind they want to leave.' 'When they want to go, they've got all the power. If he decides to down tools, they've got a problem.' The 20-year-old gave an interview to the BBC on Wednesday giving his reasons for his decision . Brendan Rodgers insists that his relationship with Sterling is as strong as ever despite the disputes . Harry Redknapp made the comments while working as a pundit for BT Sport on Saturday . The last Liverpool player to run down his contract and leave for Real Madrid, Steve McManaman, branded Sterling's behaviour 'ridiculous' and 'baffling' and suggested the player has been poorly advised. 'I think it's ridiculous and you have to remember he's only a 20-year-old boy, starting off his career,' said McManaman. The people who are trying to guide him through his life have been ill-informed really. He's now put himself under a huge amount of pressure, and he shouldn't have. Sterling (right) has confirmed that he rejected an offer of £100,000-a-week to stay at Liverpool . 'You don't want to discuss your contract and leave it to the end of the season. Don't go and do an interview talking about your contract. It's baffling, absolutely baffling.' 'I think he wants to stay at Liverpool it's just about getting the best deal off the club. You can't just play great football for one year and suddenly think you're the best player in the world.'
target: Former QPR manager says Raheem Sterling should stay at Liverpool .
  Sterling has turned down a new £100,000-a-week contract at the club .
  Steve McManaman brands Sterling interview 'ridiculous' and 'baffling'