Rodgers will fight to keep Skrtel

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists he has no plans to let Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel leave the club.

The central defender revealed earlier this month that he knew of interest from a number of clubs.

Champions Manchester City are one of those linked with the 27-year-old but Rodgers is adamant that he will 'fight' to keep hold of Skrtel.

"I've heard nothing from any other club," said Rodgers.

"Martin has been fantastic. He seems happy and contented. He has fit into my plans and ideas.

"I will fight as hard as I can to keep the players that I want here and Martin is one of them."

Rodgers has the same stance over Luis Suarez, insisting that he is looking forward to seeing him in action.

"I'm confident Luis is really looking forward to playing for us this season and is really looking forward to this way of football," said Rodgers.

"I have spoken to him and had nothing but positivity from him.

"He is obviously at the Olympics and I wish him well, but I will wish him better when he comes back.

"Unfortunately there is always that rumour, speculation and gossip and until the window closes that will continue."