Liverpool Ponder Move For Ryan Bertrand

Liverpool wants to convince defender Ryan Bertrand to swap Chelsea for Anfield, as Brendan Rodgers looks to further strengthen his squad.

According to the Mirror, Rodgers sees Bertrand as the perfect addition as he tries to get Liverpool challenging for a place in the Premier League’s top four once again.

The report does not say whether the Stamford Bridge club is open to letting the 23-year-old leave, though it does claim the Blues could use him as bait in a pursuit of Luis Suarez.

It would be a surprise to many if Chelsea were to allow Bertrand to join Liverpool, as he has looked the natural successor to Ashley Cole in the left-back position.

However, Cole is still going strong and first team opportunities are limited for Bertrand, so he may believe it is in his best interest to look for more regular playing time elsewhere.

The report also claims Rodgers has been an admirer of the England international for some time and has worked with him before when he was a youth coach at Chelsea.

The previous working relationship could have some influence in what sounds a difficult sell for Liverpool; Bertrand would be giving up Champions League football and a likely title challenge if he were to move to Anfield.

Real Madrid To Offer Higuain Plus Cash For Suarez

Whether or not Luis Suarez stays at Liverpool, it's clear that this has become one of the most annoying games of Breaking Point in recent memory. Arsenal appear to be one of the guilty parties, with incrementally increasing bids that'll never actually accomplish anything, and Real Madrid, whose interest has been rumored heavily but never confirmed, has been lingering long enough to get some serious side-eye as well. But while we all know that Arsenal's all talk, Madrid are considered to be a realistic destination, and rumors today have the La Liga runners-up set to table a cash plus player bid for Suarez, with Gonzalo Higuain the player in question.

As with so much of this saga, there's nothing concrete to talk about other than people talking, so it's impossible to sift through what's real and what's fabricated. To this point the main outlets that have discussed/predicted the offer are Sky Italia and your aunt's friend's son, neither of whom has the greatest track record when projecting where players will be headed during the transfer market. Especially if your aunt's friend's son is Artur Petrosyan.

But it's an interesting point of discussion and a slightly less annoying (if that exists) twist on a deal that seems never-ending, would cash and Higuain be acceptable? And would the price tag be more important than the player? Right now the figure thrown around is anywhere from €7m to €15m, which, assuming the valuation of Suarez is still €45m, would place Higuain in the range of €30m. That's consistent with previous discussions about the player's value, and would seem to be a decent-enough conclusion to the conversation about the future of Luis Suarez.

Bayern To Launch Suarez Bid

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola is set to continue his summer spending spree – by making a concrete bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The wantaway Uruguayan has repeatedly aired his desire to leave Anfield this summer and has been linked with a number of top clubs.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all monitoring developments, but Guardiola believes he has a genuine chance of landing the star.

The Bayern manager’s brother, Pere, is Suarez’s agent and SportsDirect News has learned Pep is set to use his family connections to launch a major offer for the 26-year-old.

Liverpool value Suarez at around £40 million, and are likely to dismiss any offers below their asking price.

That leaves only a small number of clubs in the race, with Bayern heading the queue.

Guardiola has been handed a blank cheque to build the squad he requires, and he has already splashed out on midfield pair Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara.

But he also wants to sign a striker, and Suarez heads his shortlist – though he is also said to hold an interest in Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

Liverpool Confirm Arsenal’s Bid For Luis Suarez

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has confirmed the club has received an offer for Luis Suarez from Arsenal, but insists the Reds remain determined to persuade the unsettled striker his future lies at Anfield.

Suarez has made it clear he wants to move away from Merseyside this summer, going on record during several interviews in his homeland to state his desire to play Champions League football.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid have all been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, with the Gunners widely reported to have lodged a £30million bid last week.

Ayre has now confirmed the Londoners made an official offer but has brushed off any suggestion that the Reds are ready to do business.

‘I’ve heard him say it would be great to have an opportunity to play for Arsenal and likewise Real Madrid. But he certainly hasn’t called me up and said he wants to leave,’ Ayre told Bloomberg.

‘We had an offer which is fairly public from Arsenal. We said no to that offer, and as far as we’re concerned he turns up for training when he’s due back. And we’ll move forward on that basis.

‘We get offers for lots of our players at different times. Unless we get to a situation where that player absolutely doesn’t want to be here and we don’t want him to be here then that’s a different kettle of fish.

‘Right now we’d love to see Luis put on a Liverpool shirt for this season and beyond and we hope that once he gets back things will settle down.

‘This is an ambitious young player, he’s talked in the media about wanting to play in the Champions League and all these things. It’s our job to convince Luis that this is the right place to achieve those things.’

Gerrard Extension Confirmed

Liverpool has confirmed that captain Steven Gerrard has signed an extension to his contract which will keep him at Anfield for the next two seasons at least.

The 33-year-old England midfielder has spent his whole career at Liverpool and has clocked up 630 appearances for the club so far, scoring 159 goals.

He signed his new deal at Melwood on Monday morning and is delighted that it has been sorted out before the start of the 2013/14 campaign.

"I think everyone knows what it means to me," said Gerrard.

"It lets me know the club thinks an awful lot of me and want me here. There was a year left (on my contract), which was quite unusual, I think it was the first time I've got that far down into a contract.

"I'm glad it's all done and it's happened at the right time, before the season, so I can just focus on playing as well as I can."

Managing director Ian Ayre added: "It's fantastic for everyone; the club, Steven, and the fans.

"He is, and always has been, such a big part of Liverpool Football Club. Particularly in this day and age, it's rather unique to find a local player who has given his whole career to his club.

"We're pleased today to add an extension to his existing agreement and that keeps him here until the end of his career.

"We've said that what we'll do in two years' time is review it again and see how happy Steven is. We seem to always be happy with him, so hopefully we'll just continue in that vein."

Gerrard made his debut for Liverpool in 1998 and has won the Champions League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup twice and League Cup three times during his time at the club.

Hugely popular with the club's fans, he said: "I hope they're really happy (about his extension).

"The relationship is mutual. They have respect for me and they know how much I love them, so it's a two-way thing.

"People talk about my loyalty to the football club, because I've been here all the way through, but the club have been very loyal to me throughout my career and always rewarded me at the right times with deals.

"They've always told me what they think about me and that's very important as a footballer, to know that you're loved."

Gerrard Deal Delights Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his delight after club "icon" Steven Gerrard signed a new two-year contract extension.

Gerrard has spent the whole of his career at Anfield and remains a key part of Rodgers' plans as he prepares for the new season.

"I'm absolutely delighted, as you can imagine," said Rodgers.

"I've talked throughout pre-season about wanting to bring other players into the group, but this was one of the - if not the - most important signings for us.

"He's an icon here at the football club - a real iconic figure for players and supporters.

"I think he's still got a good few years left yet. His level of performance last year was outstanding.

"He's been a great support for me coming into such a club, a brilliant captain, he's got great values and the leadership he provides is second to none.

"Now he can really concentrate on his football and hopefully stay at the level he's been at."

Rodgers admitted he enjoys a strong working relationship with England international Gerrard, who has scored 159 goals in 630 appearances for Liverpool.

"I respect his loyalty and he respects that I am the manager of the football club and make football decisions, but will talk with him," added Rodgers.

"I always work closely with players. We have a good relationship and the door is always open for Steven as the club captain.

"He's the current England captain and one of the best players to ever have graced the Premier League.

"To retain the humility that he has and still have the eagerness to want to improve and be better, he is a real shining light and example for many players."

Philippe Coutinho Inspires Reds To Preston Rout

Philippe Coutinho has been Liverpool FC's top shirt-shifter this summer – shirts with his name on the back outselling even skipper Steven Gerrard.

A few more will fly off the shelves this week after the cultured Brazilian got Liverpool's pre-season program off to a winning start at Deepdale on Saturday.

Coutinho, who ended last season so impressively following his £8.5m switch from Inter, picked up where he left off.

Tripped by ex-Red John Welsh after 12 minutes he picked himself up to slide the penalty comfortably to Declan Rudd's left.

Jordan Ibe, another to end last season on a high, was still on a roll when he dipped his shoulder and flashed a 20-yard shot past Rudd after 36 minutes.

And second half goals for Raheem Sterling – assisted by Aspas – and then a beauty bent in from 20 yards by the Reds new Spanish striker, earned a comfortable victory.

The goals gave Liverpool The Shankly Shield – a prize to commemorate the 100th birthday later this year of the legendary Liverpool manager and Preston player.

New signings Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas all enjoyed a run-out.

Toure played the first 45 minutes and Alberto and Aspas the second 45 in sweltering conditions – while keeper Mignolet managed 80 minutes before making way, to a rousing ovation from the visiting fans, for Danny Ward.

For a team only back in pre-season training for a fortnight, Liverpool's sharpness and precision was impressive.

They passed themselves into trouble from the back in the fourth minute, when Agger's sloppy pass went straight to Chris Humphrey whose cross was just a fraction too high for Joe Garner.

But otherwise Liverpool's control was almost absolute.

Liverpool should have had another penalty when Fabio Borini was pulled down by Paul Huntington but referee Neil Swarbrick wasn't so generous a second time.

And the Italian was handed an even better opportunity after 34 minutes when Jon Flanagan's pass played him clean through on goal but after carrying the ball to within 12 yards of Rudd, he sliced the ball hopelessly wide.

But Ibe's crisp shot gave a true reflection of the Reds dominance.

At half-time both sides made wholesale changes.

Liverpool switched all 10 outfield players, while Preston introduced eight fresh faces.

The second half was a little more competitive, but only a poor touch from Raheem Sterling after Glen Johnson's outstanding pass stopped the winger having a clear run on goal.

He only had to wait 60 seconds for another opportunity, this time Iago Aspas' deft touch sending Sterling clear from the halfway line.

The 18-year-old kept his composure, skirted wide of Stuckmann and slotted the third.

After an assist on his first Reds appearance, Aspas then opened his goalscoring account with a beauty.

The Spaniard turned on the edge of the penalty area and bent in an effort left-footed to seal victory.

Rodgers Hails Aspas After Debut Goal

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for the club’s new signings, particularly Iago Aspas, after their 4-0 friendly win over Preston.

The Reds handed debuts to Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto and Aspas at Deepdale with the former Celta man scoring the club’s fourth goal late on.

Speaking after the game Rodgers said he felt the Spaniard would be a bit hit with the Anfield faithful and was delighted with his forward.

"Iago works hard; he's got a trick in and around the box and he excites supporters. He's a good guy and he works very hard for the supporters,” he told LFC TV.

"He drifts well in between the lines and always wants to receive the ball. But what I like is that he wants to score goals. He's looking to create and combine or go solo by himself and get a shot in. His goal was a terrific strike.

The Reds boss also took time out to praise Alberto, who came on at half-time, along with Aspas at Deepdale.

"In the second half I thought the two boys did really well. Alberto fits into the mould of what we're looking to do here,” he said.

“We want technically gifted players who work hard and some of his touches were fantastic. He's incisive with his passing. And so I'm very pleased with him.”

Goalkeeper Mignolet picked up a clean sheet on his first display for the club and was rarely troubled as the Premier League side cruised to victory.

"Mignolet was very confident and very composed. He had a great day today,” said Rodgers.

“Everything he did, he did it well. And he's already integrated really well and I thought he was solid.

"[Kolo] Toure is a very experienced professional. I was actually watching him on ESPN when he played for Arsenal at Anfield in the 2003-04 season. So he's been around for a long time and he's a wonderful player. He's got great experience and he defends really well.”

Mignolet Grateful For Liverpool Welcome

Simon Mignolet has thanked his new Liverpool team-mates for helping him settle in after arriving from Sunderland last month.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper moved to Anfield for a reported £9 million fee in June and put in a solid debut performance during a 4-0 pre-season friendly win over Preston on Saturday.

After the game, Mignolet was quick to heap praise on his new colleagues for the welcome he has received since moving to Merseyside.

"I'd like to thank all the lads in the dressing room and all the coaching staff for the way they have treated me and the way they have handled me since I arrived," he told LFC TV.

"It's gone pretty quick, but I've adapted really well. I've been made really welcome - from the very first day, actually.

"Now I have the tour to look forward to, which is going to be a big experience for me and I am very pleased to be taking part in it."

Mignolet was rarely tested by the League One outfit but was solid when called upon, and now the Belgium international is looking to build on his successful performance.

"I'm very pleased to be out there, to play my first game and then to end up with a great result and a clean sheet. That's obviously what you want," he added.

"We played in front of a full crowd. And that always makes it easier to play, especially if you play the way we did in the first half in front of the Kop and in front of our supporters.

"They support you throughout the whole game and it makes it easier for you to play on the pitch. I'm looking forward to the next time."

Three Players Liverpool Must Sign to Crack the Top Four

Liverpool may have been one of the busier Premier League clubs in the transfer window but it seems manager Brendan Rodgers is far from finished when it comes to strengthening his squad.

Having already signed Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Simon Mignolet, Rodgers revealed that he will now turn his attention to signing players who can instantly have an impact in the first team.

"Now what's important over the next three to five weeks is improving the team. That's something the club is working very hard at," declared the Reds boss. "I'm sure by the time the end of August comes we'll be ready and we'll have a terrific squad ready to challenge.

"I still think another attacking, creative player, and depending on what goes out of the club - because naturally there might be one or two players who need to go out and play more - then we'll need to fill those areas that have been vacated.

"Certainly another attacking player will really benefit us, and probably another defender. We'll see how it develops over the course of the next few months."

With Luis Suarez suggesting he is keen to leave the club, Liverpool may also be in need of a first choice striker. With plenty of business to be done we decided to help out Rodgers by presenting a list of three players who would instantly command a place in the first team.

Centre-Back - Toby Alderweireld

The Ajax defender is currently considering an offer from Norwich but there is no reason why he could not walk into the Liverpool first team and challenge Martin Skrtel for a starting berth. Still just 24 years old he already has a wealth of experience in the Champions League and has three league titles to his name. His partnership with Jan Vertonghen was formidable two seasons ago and it is likely he would perfectly gel alongside the left-footed Daniel Agger. Alderweireld also has a superb pedigree on the international stage having represented Belgium at every youth level, whilst also winning 24 caps for the senior side. Competing with Premier League defenders like Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen for a place at centre-back for Belgium further proves his credentials. Even better for Liverpool he would cost less than £7m and Ajax are prepared to sell.

Attacking/creative midfielder - Christian Eriksen

Another realistic target for Liverpool and a player who has a burgeoning reputation after three outstanding years in the Ajax first team. Eriksen has played a major role in helping the Dutch giants win three league titles and much like his teammate Alderweireld, has refused to sign a new deal and has just 12 months remaining on his current contract. The Denmark international has previously said he was "flattered" to be linked with Liverpool and has consistently been on the radar of numerous Premier League teams. A hugely skilful midfielder with great vision and an eye for goal, Eriksen would be a long term investment who could immediately compete with the likes of Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen for a place in midfield. His ten league goals last season show he is improving his finishing and once again Liverpool would not have to break the bank for a player with massive potential, and is ready to immediately step into the first team.

Striker - Christian Benteke

Liverpool fans and Rodgers alike will be hoping that they do not need another striker but if Suarez decides to force through a move then the club will have significant funds and they could do far worse than snap up Benteke. The powerhouse Belgian demonstrated his talent in front of the Kop last year when he excelled in Villa's 3-1 win at Anfield, hitting two of his 19 Premier League goals. Having handed in a transfer request it is believed he would be available for £25m; a fee unlikely to scare off Liverpool especially if they have cashed in on Suarez. At just 22 years of age he will only improve and has already shown his ability to lead the front in a struggling side. A central role with Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho on either side is a fascinating and exciting front line that would worry any defence. A lack of European football may hinder Liverpool's chances but with the club showing plenty of ambition, they may feel they can convince the Belgium international it is the right move.

Yilmaz As Possible Replacement For Suarez

Liverpool has set their sights on Burak Yilmaz of Turkish side Galatasaray.

According to Sky Sports, Brendon Rodgers is monitoring the forward as a possible replacement for Luis Suarez.

With heavy speculation surrounding the future of Suarez at Liverpool the manager has been forced to search for other attacking options in case the forward does not remain at the club.

This is looking increasing likely with Suarez being linked away from Anfield almost everyday. At present Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid are in the running to sign the want-away Uruguayan centre forward.

Galatasary President Unal Aysal has said that he would be prepared to listen to offers for the former Trabzonspor player.

He said, “We have a set price for Yilmaz. If Burak wants to leave and our transfer demands are matched, we could accept a deal.”

Yilmaz was extremely impressive in his first season with Galatasaray and is regarded as one of the best forwards currently in Europe.

He managed an exceptional scoring rate last season with 32 goals in only 39 games.

Ajax Boss Advises Midfielder Against Liverpool Move

Ajax head coach Frank De Boer has advised Christian Eriksen to not join Liverpool this summer, claiming the Reds' playing style would not suit the Denmark international.

Brendan Rodgers' side have been persistently linked with the midfielder throughout the summer, interest that has heightened after the club missed out on Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan who joined Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.

The 21-year-old midfielder is in the final year of his contract at the Amsterdam Arena and is largely expected to leave the club this summer. But his current coach De Boer believes a move to Anfield where he would play under Rodgers' particular game plan would not benefit the young midfielder.

"If they play as they do now, I would not go," De Boer told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, via Goal. "The playing style would not suit his own, but ultimately, it is for Chris himself to decide."

Eriksen, who has won three consecutive Eredivisie titles with Ajax, already has 36 international caps to his name, and having turned down opportunities to leave the Dutch capital in the past for bigger clubs he would now appear ready to try his luck elsewhere.

The midfielder was quizzed on the prospect of joining Liverpool last year where he indicated he would wait until the end of the season to decide upon his future.

"It is great that such big clubs are interested," Eriksen said of reported Liverpool interest in October.

"It is very special for me but I am not contemplating various transfer scenarios in any way at the moment."

Hailed for his range of passing, sublime first touch and creative qualities, Eriksen would seemingly fit the bill for what Rodgers is looking for in his summer signings.

Speaking earlier this month, Rodgers said: "I still think another attacking, creative player, and depending on what goes out of the club - because naturally there might be one or two players who need to go out and play more - then we'll need to fill those areas that have been vacated."

Wanderers Back On Spearing Alert

Bolton Wanderers may have been given a glimmer of hope in their efforts to land Jay Spearing.

Despite Blackburn agreeing a £1.75million fee for the tenacious midfielder earlier this week sources close to the player claim he is not keen on a move to Ewood Park, prompting Rovers boss Gary Bowyer to look elsewhere.

Spearing still wants to play in the Premier League and could hold out for offers until later in the transfer window.

And that could give the Whites further time to raise cash for a permanent move or convince Liverpool to allow the 24-year-old back out on loan.

Spearing was hoping to have his future sorted by the start of pre-season but now looks set to fly with the Reds for their tour of Australasia, which starts next week.

If a top-flight offer is not forthcoming then it is understood Wanderers would be his preferred destination – but that could hinge on them coming up with the cash for an acceptable bid.

Freedman has made no secret of the fact he wants the Anfield youth product back on the books in some capacity next season, but said earlier in the week that Liverpool’s asking price was too high.

Spearing is in the final year of his contract and has been told by Brendan Rogers that he will not figure in his first team plans this season.

Liverpool Looking To Offload South American Defender

Liverpool are hoping to offload defender Sebastian Coates for a fee of around £5m with Fulham believed to be interested in giving the Uruguayan another chance to shine in the Premier League.

Coates arrived at Merseyside in 2011 and was a highly sought-after transfer coup for then-manager Kenny Dalglish.

But adjusting to the Premier League after making the move from Uruguayan side Nacional has proven to be difficult, and last season the 22 year old made just 12 appearances for the club's senior line-up, five of those being in the league.

As Brendan Rodgers looks to trim his squad further to make up for having a particularly tight budget in recent transfer windows, the manager is reportedly willing to let Coates leave for around £5m.

And the Daily Mail are reporting that Fulham are particularly interested in the centre-back, believing that given a regular chance with the senior side Coates will find his feet in the Premier League.

The arrival of Kolo Toure may well for the young defender to leave as he looks to get more regular game time in the lead up to the 2014 World Cup.

Coates is yet another one of Dalglish's purchases to become surplus to requirements at Anfield, with Andy Carroll and Charlie Adam both departing after joining for big-money fees, while Stewart Downing continues to be linked with an exit.

If Coates does join Martin Jol at Fulham, it could be under very uncertain circumstances, with recent reports suggesting that the club may be sold by current owner Mohamed Al Fayed to a foreign party.

Krisztian Adorjan Wants Groningen Loan

The agent of Liverpool youngster Krisztian Adorjan has said that the Hungarian midfielder hopes to join Groningen on loan by the end of the week.

The 20-year-old is looking for first-team exposure this season and, with his chances at Anfield appearing limited, he has been training with the Dutch outfit for the past week.

Tibor Pataky, co-owner of the CMG agency, revealed that there is also interest from the Championship, but hinted that playing in the Eredivisie would be more appealing.

"We have an old partnership with Groningen from a long time ago and the two clubs have been negotiating continuously," Pataky told Nemzeti Sport.

"Groningen has started pre-season with Krisztian, who has continued to train with them. We hope an agreement will be made this week. Anything can happen, but the plan is a loan contract.

"Krisztian is in a tough situation at Liverpool, but they don't want to sell him. We would like him to go to Holland. There is interest from the Championship, but he could use his creativity more in the Dutch championship."

Adorjan joined the Reds from MTK Hungaria in 2009.

Arsenal Set To Increase Bid To 40 Million For Suarez

Liverpool has told Arsenal to dig a little deeper in to their pockets for them to even consider selling Luis Suarez.

The Gunners are set to increase their bid for the Uruguay international, after having a £30m offer flatly rejected.

Despite Suarez claiming he's keen to leave Anfield, The Reds do not wish sell the unsettled striker, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea.

The odds appear to be stacked against Arsenal however, as Suarez apparently revealed his desire to join Real Madrid.

My view on the matter is that Liverpool simply can't afford to let Suarez leave.

He's the force behind their attack. His hunger and desire, week in week out, is what keeps Liverpool afloat.

No disrespect to The Reds, but without him I fear they'd just lack that final product.

But, as we saw with Fernando Torres, every player has their price.

Luis Suarez Forcing Liverpool Departure

Liverpool's Luis Suarez is seemingly trying to force a move away from Anfield.

The Uruguayan striker has repeatedly been linked with a number of clubs, including some from the Premier League, meaning that his excuses that England is treating him excessively badly seem false.

It seems likely that he will play for another English club. Suarez said in a Liverpool meeting that he wishes to play for a Champions League club, and that he was flattered by Arsenal's ridiculous offer of a mere £30 million.

Suarez in my eyes is valued at £55 million. Just take a look at who else is in the market for that price and you will see what I mean.

As was seen with Fernando Torres; an unhappy player is a terrible playmaker and it is best that if this is the case, Suarez should be sold at maximum profit.

The Reds have never been shrewd and clever businessmen. The Andy Carroll transfer is just one of many money flops that could have been avoided.

It was also said that former manager Kenny Dalglish had the chance to bring Mario Gotze to the club, but instead opted for a more expensive Jordan Henderson.

Indeed, nobody can predict the future, but other clubs seem to be doing just fine with their recruitment.

If Liverpool does lose Suarez, their credentials in the transfer-market will be further questioned and then it will be tough for Liverpool to keep fighting for a top-ten finish.

A striker like Suarez can fit in at any club and with a passion like his, excitement will never be far away wherever he chooses to go.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers surely has a short-list of Suarez replacements and it is more than likely that he will be called into action to use it before transfer deadline day.

Reina Must Accept Mignolet Rivalry

Brendan Rodgers says creating competition for places is key to Liverpool’s summer plans and feels Simon Mignolet's arrival will improve Pepe Reina’s performances.

Mignolet moved to Anfield from Sunderland for a reported £9 million fee in June before outlining his ambition to usurp the current No.1 - who has missed just 20 league games in eight seasons.

"That was the idea for the summer [competition for places]," Rodgers told talkSPORT.

"Our recruitment team did a brilliant job when we sat down at the end of the last season on where we can strengthen the squad and build that competition in the group. We were very thin in the group last year.”

"Simon Mignolet's been a top keeper for the last few seasons now in the Premier League and Pepe Reina's been here for a number of years and been an outstanding keeper but in every position on the field there has to be competition to push people's performances."

Rodgers, although, has no regrets regarding the departure of Andy Carroll to West Ham, insisting his now-permanent departure has aided Luis Suarez's attacking output.

"That was a decision that needed to be made,” he said. "Luis benefited from that and went on to have a terrific season.

"Andy went out and did really well on loan and obviously [West Ham manager Sam Allardyce] came in and wanted to buy him.

“He's a good, big guy, he'll go away and do really well for West Ham. As a manager you have to make a decision and that's what I did."

Almeria Snap Up Suso On Loan From Liverpool

Liverpool has announced that midfielder Suso has joined Almeria on a season-long loan deal.

The 19-year-old, who shone with Spain at the Under-20 World Cup in Turkey this summer, has fallen down the Reds pecking order with the arrival of countrymen Luis Alberto and Iago Aspas.

He will now seek to gain regular first-team experience with the newly-promoted La Liga side.

Suso moved to Anfield from Cadiz in the summer of 2010 and went on to make 20 appearances in all competitions under Brendan Rodgers last season.

LFC And Carlsberg Sign New Deal

Liverpool Football Club and Carlsberg are celebrating their partnership of 21 years by announcing a three-year extension to the leading international beer brand's sponsorship.

Already the longest-serving partnership of any Barclays Premier League club, it has now been extended to run until the end of the 2015-16 season - a total of 24 seasons.

For 17 years Carlsberg were Liverpool FC's shirt sponsor, until 2010 when they became the Reds' official beer partner. During the 21 seasons, it is estimated that more than 5.7 million pints of Carlsberg have been served at Anfield, which is more than enough to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool (2,500,000L).

Mike Thompson, marketing director for Carlsberg, said: "Our relationship with Liverpool FC started in 1992. It was Carlsberg's very first connection to English football - an affiliation which has grown significantly.

"Over two decades later we are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with a club that has over 120 years of heritage and one of the biggest followings in football, both in the UK and around the world."

It is estimated that Liverpool FC has 588 million followers across the globe that the club interacts with on a regular basis. Recently Liverpool FC launched 15 new local language Twitter accounts, reaching fans in more than 75 different countries. This is in addition to Liverpoolfc.com, which receives seven million visitors per month, LFC TV UK, which attracts 600,000 viewers per week, and LFC TV International, which connects with 100 million homes worldwide.

Billy Hogan, Liverpool FC's chief commercial officer, added: "We are delighted to extend our partnership with Carlsberg, one of the world's leading beer brands.

"Together we have been on an incredible journey, which sees our partnership become the longest in the history of any top-flight club.

"We are incredibly proud of our partnership's longevity and the deep relationship between our two great brands. We look forward to another three years with Carlsberg, delivering exciting initiatives to our fans all over the world."