Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted he will not be forced to sell Arsenal target Luis Suarez in January, reports the Daily Star.

The Uruguayan indicated he was ready to quit Anfield in the summer, and was the subject of two official bids from Arsenal, one of which consisted of £40million and £1.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard said in the week he does not expect to see a January move for Suarez, but admitted the controversial forward could depart in the summer should the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League.

However manager Brendan Rodgers insists he has seen nothing but commitment from the striker, who has bagged six Premier League goals in just five games since his return from suspension.

“I haven’t been given anything to the contrary,” Rodgers said.

“Looking and speaking to him, Luis is as happy as he has ever been.

“He recognises we have a real genuine chance this year of breaking in there (the top four) this year.

“Last year was about transition and the second season was about improvement and he has seen that.

“He had a difficult summer but he has come back and he is more mature and his performance level has been really high.

“He sees a genuine chance for us to make that (top four). He is happy here.”

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger last week refused to rule out making a January offer for Suarez, however Rodgers has insisted the club are under no obligation to sell.

“From a club perspective, we made a stance last summer, not only for Luis but for every player,” he added.

“If we think it is time to sell a player, we will. If not we won’t.”

Suarez told a Uruguayan radio station earlier in the week he was happy to stay in England, and had heard nothing of interest from Real Madrid.

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