Brendan Rodgers in 'constant contact' with Luis Suarez and remains hopeful striker will remain at Liverpool

The Anfield boss understands the striker's desire to be playing Champions League football

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted he understands Luis Suarez's desire to be playing in the Champions League, but remains hopeful the striker will remain at Anfield.

The Uruguay international's future is among the biggest transfer stories of the summer and the player himself has only fanned the flames by telling reporters in his native country that he is unhappy at Anfield, and in particular with his treatment by the British press.

Liverpool failed to qualify for the Europa League last season, let alone the Champions League, and the 26-year-old has told the club he wants to be playing in Europe.

Arsenal, who have qualified for the Champions League, have already made a £30m bid for Suarez, a development the player welcomed, and are expected to return with an improved bid.

However, Rodgers has no intention of allowing Suarez to leave easily and has revealed that he is in constant contact with his player in a bid to keep him at the club.

"Over the course of the last few months and towards the end of the season there has been a lot of speculation with Luis," Rodgers told talkSPORT.

"But the fact is it remains the same - we value the player. He had a terrific season for us last year and showed his qualities.

"Since then I've been in communication with him through texts and conversations on the phone and it (the situation) is pretty much the same.

"He is a valued player. He is an absolute magician on the field."

Rodgers admitted he understood the former Ajax player's frustration at not playing in the Champions League.

"Luis is a real competitor, a real winner. He wants Liverpool to do so well but, like every player, every manager, and more importantly every football club, they want to be working at the very highest level.

"At the minute he is on a break, he is relaxing with his family.

"We are in constant communication. He has got three years left on his contract, we don't want to sell him, and we hope everything will be fine for the summer."

As well as Arsenal, Suarez has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, a club the striker has admitted he would like to play for. It's thought it will take a bid in excess of £40m before Liverpool even sanctioning a move.

Rodgers spoke yesterday about his desire to add players that can bolster the first team, having already made four additions that he feels make the squad as a whole stronger. Speaking today, he confirmed Liverpool want to make more signings.

"We want to bring in few more players to reinforce the group and we think we can put up a real fight next season."