Suarez will stay - Rodgers

Luis Suarez

Brendan Rodgers believes Luis Suarez will sign a new deal with Liverpool.

In a rollercoaster season for Liverpool last term, Suarez was one of the few shining lights as his mesmeric ball skills wowed the Anfield faithful. It is his abilities, rather than the controversies that saw him pick up a hefty suspension, that the club are focusing on as they look to extend his stay.

Suarez's current contract runs until the summer of 2016, but the club want to extend and increase his salary in a bid to persuade him to commit to life under Rodgers.

The forward has given every indication of being happy at Liverpool and a deal is edging closer.

Asked if a deal for Suarez was close, Rodgers replied: "I have had a good conversation with Luis over the phone. From the outset, he has seemed a really good guy. He loves the city and the passion. We have exchanged lots of texts. He sent me a text on the first morning, wishing me good luck. He has really bought into what we are trying to do.

"He was really excited about how we played at Swansea last year. He is really keen and looking forward to playing in a similar sort of model. There has been good dialogue. I would hope going forward that we can close that out.''

Regarding similar questions over Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger, Rodgers added: "These are issues that we will look to find solutions to in the coming months. People always talk about the players coming but what is important are the ones you already have. I look at this group and I see a really good group of players.''

Rodgers is closing in on a swoop for Roma striker Fabio Borini, a deal which would cast further doubt on Andy Carroll's future at the club.

The Liverpool boss admitted he would consider offers for the striker and West Ham are being widely tipped to make a move for the England international.