Rodgers says Liverpool can compete on wages

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists the club can and will compete when it comes to paying top wages for players he feels are worth it.

The Northern Irishman decided not to pursue a deal for newly-signed Tottenham midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson after his salary demands increased beyond what the Reds boss was willing to pay.

Rodgers had inside knowledge of what the Iceland international had accepted when he had initially decided to agree to join Swansea, where he spent the latter part of last season on loan from Germany’s Hoffenheim, before Rodgers moved to Anfield.

But he stressed that was an isolated case and in another instance circumstances may dictate otherwise.

“We didn’t lose out on Gylfi Sigurdsson because of not wanting to spend the money, we lost out because the manager was not prepared to move,” Rodgers told reporters.

“There is no doubt there will be other targets and people we want to bring in but we won’t lose out on wages.

“If we feel there is a player out there in the market whose value and worth can add value to what we are doing here then we will do everything we can to bring them in – no question.”

‘Exciting signing’

At a press conference to preview the club’s pre-season tour to the United States, where they will play FC Toronto, Roma and Tottenham Hotspur, Rodgers stated he hoped to make an “exciting” signing this week.

He has been linked with a move for Roma striker Fabio Borini, who had a season on loan from Chelsea at Swansea under Rodgers.

The Reds boss said they have only made three or four approaches as he was searching for a certain type of individual.

“There are many components you look at before you bring in a player – first and foremost in terms of his technical and tactical qualities,” he said.

“But you are also looking at whether they can add value for many years, is he someone who is going to be short term?

“Ultimately he has to have the personality – we’ve seen many good players come here and haven’t been able to work here but leave and become very good players again.

“To play for Liverpool you have to be able to deal with the pressure of a worldwide institution and that you have to do your homework on.

“When you are a player at Liverpool you are also a role model in every way. I like my players to be professional on and off the field.”