Brendan Rodgers Talks Timeline for New Daniel Sturridge Contract with Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has stated that talks surrounding Daniel Sturridge's new contract won't begin until the summer.    

The Reds boss looks to keep his side's eye firmly on winning the title, rather than worrying about tying up new deals. Rodgers also hinted that he was not looking to cement his own future until after the season has ended, according to The Guardian's Andy Hunter:

Sturridge has scored 19 goals and assisted on seven occasions in 22 league appearances, per WhoScored.com.

His forward play, alongside the enigmatic Luis Suarez and youngster Raheem Sterling, has propelled the Reds into second place.

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Liverpool face two crucial fixtures in the next seven days, both at Anfield, as the club look to keep their title hopes alive. The side host Sunderland on Wednesday, before Tottenham travel to Anfield on Sunday.

Six points are crucial for the Merseysiders, who sit four points behind Chelsea.

Should Chelsea slip up in back-to-back away defeats, taking on Crystal Palace, Rodgers' men could leapfrog the Londoners.

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The boss stated his happiness of allowing Liverpool fans to dream of their first Premier League title, focusing his attention to on-field action and away from contract talks.

According to The Independent's Andrew Baldock, Rodgers hailed the Reds' supporters as a major factor in the side's success:

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We are focusing on the immediate future. The fans can believe and dream, and when you come to see your team play away from home and they score six goals, you've got every right to do that. They have been a big part of our success this year.

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Rodgers' men have eight games remaining in their league season. The club will be looking over their shoulders, too, as Manchester City keep their own hopes alive with three games in hand over Chelsea.

The side still have matches against Manchester City and Chelsea to play this season, which could ultimately define the trophy's destination.

But with other fixtures with West Ham, Norwich, Crystal Palace and Newcastle, Rodgers needs to keep his stars' feet firmly on the ground.