Steven Gerrard believes that it is vital that Liverpool tie down Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson to new contracts as they are the "future" of the club.
The Reds have reportedly been locked in talks with Sterling and his representatives for some time, but a new deal is yet to be agreed.
Widespread reports have claimed that the 20-year-old England international is holding out for more money, while Henderson's long-term future has also not been secured as he has 18 months left on his contract.
"They need to sign [Sterling] now," Gerrard told Sky Sports News. "He knows what I want him to do. Not just him, Jordan Henderson as well.
"When I was coming through at Liverpool, every time you got within a couple of years left your contract would be renewed and there would no worrying or panic stage, but I see Henderson with a year left and I see Sterling - it is in the paper too much and I know there is no smoke without fire.
"So, for me, the message to the club is to get these done sharpish because these are the future of the club and I want to watch this team do well, in cup finals and challenging for the league. Those players - Sterling, Henderson, Sturridge and Coutinho, who just signed up - they are the ones who are going to deliver, so it's vital they get them done before it is too late."
Gerrard will end his 25-year association with Liverpool in the summer when he joins MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy.
Danielle Joynson
