Soccer

Rodgers determined to keep Suarez at Anfield

Liverpool boss sees striker as key to launching a real title challenge

Luis Suraez in action for Uruguay against Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during the Confederations Cup in Brazil. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Luis Suraez in action for Uruguay against Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during the Confederations Cup in Brazil. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Fri Jul 12 2013 - 11:28

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers remains determined to keep wantaway striker Luis Suarez.

The controversial Uruguay forward has made clear his desire to leave Anfield in a series of interviews over the summer and the consequent speculation over his future has been intense.

Real Madrid have regularly been linked with the player, valued at at least €46 million by Liverpool, but the only positive move to date in the saga has been a rejected €35 million bid from Arsenal.

Liverpool also have a strong hand having agreed a four-year contract with Suarez only last August.

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Rodgers said: “Over the course of the last few months and towards the end of the season there has been a lot of speculation with Luis.

“But the fact is it remains the same – we value the player. He had a terrific season for us last year and showed his qualities.

“Since then I’ve been in communication with him through texts and conversations on the phone and it (the situation) is pretty much the same. He is a valued player. He is an absolute magician on the field.

“Luis is a real competitor, a real winner. He wants Liverpool to do so well but, like every player, every manager, and more importantly every football club, they want to be working at the very highest level. At the minute he is on a break, he is relaxing with his family.

“We are in constant communication. He has got three years left on his contract, we don’t want to sell him, and we hope everything will be fine for the summer.

“We want to bring in few more players to reinforce the group and we think we can put up a real fight next season.”

Suarez scored 30 goals for Liverpool last season but his campaign ended controversially after he was handed a 10-game ban, six of which he is still to serve, for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a match at Anfield.

That was merely the latest in a series of incidents concerning Suarez and the 26-year-old has since criticised the British media for their portrayal of him.

He has encouraged interest from Madrid and his representatives this week held discussions with Liverpool about his situation.

But as yet there has been no approach from the Spanish giants while Liverpool have made their position clear, suggesting Suarez would have to formally request a transfer to have any chance of a move.