Brendan Rodgers begins talks with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez over new contract

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has begun talks with striker Luis Suarez about a new contract and is hopeful the Uruguayan will extend his stay at Anfield.

Suarez's contract runs until the summer of 2016 but Rodgers is keen to tie the influential forward down to an even longer deal.

Rodgers told http://www.liverpoolfc.tv: "I have had a good conversation with Luis over the phone. From the outset, he has seemed a really good guy. He loves the city and the passion.

"We have exchanged lots of texts. He sent me a text on the first morning, wishing me good luck. He has really bought into what we are trying to do.

"He was really excited about how we played at Swansea last year. He is really keen and looking forward to playing in a similar sort of model.

"There has been good dialogue. I would hope going forward that we can close that out."

Rodgers has also opened discussions with defenders Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel and is confident they are committed to a future at Anfield.

The Reds boss added: "These are issues that we will look to find solutions to in the coming months.

"People always talk about the players coming but what is important are the ones you already have. I look at this group and I see a really good group of players."

PA