Liverpool’s Rodgers plays down absence of Man City target Agger

Brendan Rodgers has denied reports that Daniel Agger was omitted from the Liverpool squad for their Europa League third-round qualifier due to Manchester City’s interest in the Danish defender.

The 27-year-old did not make the trip to Belarus for the Reds’ 1-0 victory over Gomel on Thursday amid speculation the Premier League champions have tabled a bid for the Denmark international.

However, Rodgers insisted his decision to allow Agger to remain in England was purely to preserve the centre-half’s fitness levels ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

“The plan was always for Daniel to stay behind,” Rodgers said. “Everyone knows his history of injuries. He came back to pre-season training after everyone else and is still not up to speed.

“He is fit, but I have to make sure he is up to speed before he plays, because everyone knows his history with injuries.”

Agger has scored nine goals in 165 appearances for Liverpool after completing a £6m move from Brondby to Anfield in January 2006.

The defender’s agent insisted his client is happy at the Merseyside outfit despite interest from the Premier League champions, although Per Steffensen cast doubt over Rodgers’ reasons for leaving Agger out of his Europa League squad.

“Liverpool will have to answer to whether they have received any offers,” Steffensen told Politiken.

“But the reports of Agger handing in a transfer request are purely nonsense. He is very happy at Liverpool.”

“He is not injured in any way. Only the club and the manager can answer to why he was not in the squad.”

Open a bet365 account with £10 or more and you'll get a free bet of up to £200 on us. Click here for more information.

Like The Sport Review on Facebook:

Read more on: Brendan Rodgers, daniel agger, Football transfers, Liverpool, Manchester City, Premier League.