Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident he can fend off any interest in Luis Suarez.
Italian champions Juventus are reportedly ready to make a move for the Uruguay international if they get any indication he is not entirely happy on Merseyside.
However, Rodgers is adamant the 25-year-old, who was banned for eight matches last season after the race row with Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, wants to be part of his new regime at Anfield and the club are keen to tie him to a new deal.
“I’ve had a brilliant chat with Luis,” said the Reds manager.
“He’s really looking forward to being here and we are obviously hoping that we can get him on to another new contract.
“He’s really looking forward to the new season.”
Rodgers may miss the services of Suarez for their pre-season tour to the United States as there’s a good chance the striker will be part of Uruguay’s Olympics side.
However, the former Swansea boss will take that prospect in his stride.
“As a manager you want all your players in and together but there will be a number of players away for that (the Olympics),” he told talkSPORT.
“The most important thing is to get fit. If he is in the Olympics he will be doing pre-season with the Olympic squad.”
Rodgers has still to make his first signing since taking over from Kenny Dalglish a month ago.
The club haven’t given up on Hoffenheim midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson – who was on loan at Swansea last season – despite Tottenham appearing to have jumped to the front of the queue by reportedly agreeing to meet the 22-year-old’s wage demands.
But there are not wholesale changes in the squad, despite them finishing eighth last season.
“I’m looking forward to bringing in three or four players that can really affect the group,” added Rodgers.
“I’ve got a wonderful group of players here at the moment.
“I read every day players that are linked with here and unfortunately, especially for the supporters, it’s a difficult time because you’ve got agents linking players with Liverpool just purely because it’s great for them to be linked with such an institution of a club.
“But the reality is there are very few players who can come and make a difference to Liverpool.”
