Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling rejected suggestions he was "money-grabbing" in an interview aired on Wednesday, after his talks over a new contract reportedly hit an impasse.

The 20-year-old England star's future has become the subject of intense speculation in the British media as Liverpool attempt to extend his current contract beyond its 2017 expiry date.

Reports claim that Sterling has turned down a new deal worth around £100,000 ($148,320, 137,710 euros) per week, but he said claims he was holding Liverpool to ransom were wide of the mark.

Sterling's current deal earns him some £30,000 per week.

"I don't want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old," Sterling said in a video interview published on the BBC Sport website. "I just want to be seen as the kid that loves to play football."