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Kolo Toure has urged Raheem Sterling to stay loyal to Liverpool this summer as he insisted: ”This is the best place for your development.”

The experienced Ivorian defender believes Sterling should ignore interest from rival clubs and pen a new long-term contract.

Toure says the young England international is in the perfect environment to flourish and has warned that leaving Anfield at such an early stage in his career would be a big mistake.

“This boy is a fantastic player,” Toure told the ECHO.

“I’m not surprised there’s speculation because everybody would want to have a player like him.

“But he needs to stay here. Liverpool is a great place for him.

“This is a massive club and he has a manager who believes in him. There’s a lot more to come from Raheem and he needs to be in an environment where he can really express himself.

“I hope he signs. This is a club where he can really enjoy his football and where people will give him responsibility.

“This is definitely the best place for him to continue his development. At Liverpool, he’s beginning to be one of the most important players. He’s playing every week.

“If he went to another club there would be big challenges he would face. He wouldn’t be the most important player.”

Manchester City and Arsenal have both been linked with a move for Sterling this summer, while there has also been speculation of interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Toure was at Manchester City when they swooped for two highly-rated English talents in the summer of 2012. Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair both landed lucrative contracts but neither established themselves at the Etihad and their careers stagnated.

The veteran centre-back doesn’t want to see Sterling fall into the same trap.

“Both Rodwell and Sinclair went to a club where there is big competition and didn’t play,” Toure said.

“If Raheem left Liverpool he wouldn’t be sure to start games. Make a mistake or don’t score for two games and he will be on the bench. There is no messing at clubs like that.

“Raheem is still only 20 and this is the best place for him to continue learning. He’s very important to this club.

“He needs to stay at Liverpool for at least two more years to go to the next level. Then he could look at it again.

“He’s an intelligent boy and I’m sure he will make the right decision.

“I remember playing against him when I was at City - he’s so quick, aggressive and fearless.

“He has been amazing for us this season and works so hard. He makes life very difficult for defenders.

“Raheem has been given a great opportunity at Liverpool and has done very well. He needs to stay here to keep progressing as a player.”