Rodgers plays down transfer rumours

31 December 2013 08:16

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists there is "nothing imminent" in terms of the club signing new players in the upcoming transfer window - but has stressed that work on that front is ongoing behind the scenes.

The Reds tied up a deal very early in the last winter window, confirming the capture of striker Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea on January 2.

And reports this week have suggested Barcelona forward Cristian Tello is close to joining on loan until the end of the season.

But when questioned about that on Monday, Rodgers said: "I'm sure that will be the start of it (transfer talk), and I'm sure there will be plenty more.

"But there's nothing to add on anything with regard to players coming in. There's nothing imminent.

"Obviously the recruitment team are busy putting things together in terms of the profile of players we need here to improve the team and the squad.

"The owners have invested millions upon millions into the team and every window we arrive in looking to improve where we can. This window will be no different."

Rodgers was speaking at his press conference ahead of the Barclays Premier League home clash with Hull on New Year's Day.

And he has indicated that Reds captain Steven Gerrard could return to action in the match.

Gerrard has not played in Liverpool's last four games after sustaining a hamstring problem in a 4-1 league win over West Ham at Anfield on December 7.

And asked on Monday if the England skipper might be fit to play in Wednesday's encounter, Rodgers said: ''We will assess that over the next 24 hours.

''Steven has rejoined training so we'll see how he is for Hull.''

Rodgers also revealed that Gerrard's fellow midfielder Joe Allen, who came off in the second half of Sunday's 2-1 loss at Chelsea, is set to be sidelined for ''a few weeks'' with an abductor strain.

News is yet to emerge about how long defender Mamadou Sakho's hamstring strain is set to keep him out for following his withdrawal towards the end of the Stamford Bridge contest.

Rodgers said: ''Joe will probably be a few weeks and with Sakho we are just awaiting confirmation.

''Glen Johnson came off but that was tactical, not injury-enforced, and there are one or two other niggles that we have to assess.

''Jordan Henderson (who took a knock against Chelsea) is fine. He is still sore, but he is a real soldier and should be fit.''

Source: PA