Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has played down reports linking midfielder Charlie Adam with a move away from Anfield.

The Scotland international joined the Reds for £6.75 million from Blackpool last summer and made 28 Premier League appearances last season, scoring two goals.

He has frequently been mentioned in connection with a departure since Rodgers took over as manager but the Northern Irishman has revealed that he tried to sign Adam during his time at Reading.

“Charlie was brought in for a lot of money after a terrific time at Blackpool,” Rodgers told reporters.

“Last season was a wee bit broken in terms of injury but he has trained well in pre-season and will play against Hearts. He’s a talent – everyone knows that – and he played well in the last Scotland game.

“You never forecast anyone’s career and all I can talk about is the here and now. At the minute he’s working hard and looking to fight for a place.

“I actually tried to buy Charlie when I was manager of Reading so where these stories come from, I don’t know.”