Liverpool vs. Tottenham: Brendan Rodgers' Key Takeaways from Pre-Match Presser

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that a new contract offer is on the table for Raheem Sterling, but Liverpool won't be held to ransom when trying to retain his services.

Henry Winter of The Telegraph previously suggested Sterling was "unhappy" with an original £70,000-per-week offer. Ben Jefferson of the Express later noted Sterling treated an "improved offer with similar disdain," suggesting Chelsea or Real Madrid could lure the 20-year-old with a mammoth deal.

Rodgers acknowledged the situation during his pre-match presser ahead of Tuesday's Premier League fixture against Tottenham. James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo tweeted his comments:

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The Times' Tony Barrett added further detail and suggested the club won't be dictated to when offering new deals:

Sterling has quickly developed into an integral part of Liverpool's success over the past two seasons. He has netted five and set up five in 23 appearances this campaign, per WhoScored.com, playing in a variety of roles for a manager who trusts him to work hard.

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He scored during the Reds' 3-0 win over Spurs in August, a result which Liverpool fans must crave to see repeated when the two sides step out at Anfield.

This is a must-win match for both teams as the battle for Champions League places intensifies. Spurs' 2-1 victory over Arsenal provides Mauricio Pochettino's squad with confidence, while Liverpool will be looking to build on Saturday's 0-0 draw in the Merseyside derby. Spurs are four points clear of the Reds ahead of kick-off.

Daniel Sturridge made his third substitute appearance in eight days, continuing his comeback from injury against Everton. Rodgers decided to keep everyone guessing as to whether he will be given the nod against Spurs, according to Pearce:

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Youngster Jordon Ibe could retain his place in the team instead. He came closest to scoring during the Goodison Park stalemate with a brilliant effort smashing off the post. Rodgers indicated Liverpool fans can get used to seeing him perform regularly, per Pearce:

Dominic King of the Daily Mail enjoyed the starlet's standout display during the last tie:

Rodgers' side have lost just two of 12 home fixtures this season, while Spurs have only suffered defeat in three of 11 away (two of which came against Chelsea and Manchester City), per WhoScored.com. The manager knows the importance of brushing the north London side away once more, reported by Pearce:

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Liverpool cannot afford to drop many more points if they are to retain a place in the Champions League. Rodgers will be pleased to see his most influential players hitting form, and in Sturridge's case, returning to fitness.

Ibe's quality showing against Everton ensures Liverpool have a wild card who could make an important difference come the end of the season.

Spurs are famous for dropping short of the elite European places but have a prolific goalscorer in Harry Kane, who notched his 21st and 22nd goals of the season against Arsenal.

If Rodgers' men can isolate him and stop Christian Eriksen from having time on the ball, it's likely the Kop will celebrate a positive result. Defeat would plunge Liverpool's top-four aspirations into doubt, so there's no room for error.