Liverpool Transfer News: Rodgers Opens Up on Luis Suarez

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he is in constant touch with Luis Suarez over the player's future. 

"We're communicating in some way with him nearly every day," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo, adding, "either through text or conversation and I hope he stays. I really do."

The statement came just a week after Suarez said that he is 'a phone call' away from leaving Liverpool this summer. 

Rodgers claimed that his relationship with Saurez is still strong and is optimistic that he would stay at Liverpool.

"I'm in regular communication with him both through texts and conversations on the phone," Rodgers explained. "The fact is we value the player - he had a terrific season for us and showed his qualities. He's an absolute magician on the football field and a very valued player by us."

"Luis is a real competitor, he's a real winner, he wants Liverpool to do so well but at the moment he's on a break, he's been at the Confederations Cup, he's relaxing with his family but we're in constant communication with him," Rodgers said.

The Northern Irish manager has made it clear through his recent statements that Suarez still has three years at Liverpool under the current contract and his suitors have to pay big even if they want him.

"He's got three years left on his contract," Rodgers said. "We don't want to sell him and we hope that everything will be fine for this summer."

The former Swansea manager reassured Liverpool fans that he believes the club could challenge for top four next season and a few more signings in the remainder of the transfer window will strengthen the team.

"We want to bring in a few more players to reinforce the group," Rodgers explained. "We want to put up a better fight this season. And I think we will do."

"Last year the first six months was very up and down but in the second half of the season we really kicked on and performed consistently," he continued, "if we can keep that going- and from what I've seen in pre-season our starting point this year is much better- we hope that can continue to have a good pre-season, but we still have an awful lot of work to do - and hopefully a few more signings - then come that first game against Stoke we can hopefully make a good start and then put up a real good fight."

Rodgers' Liverpool squad take on Preston North End in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday.