The Uruguay international’s future has been the subject of intense speculation following Arsenal’s interest in the striker, but the Anfield manager says the star is still “happy”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists Luis Suarez understands why the club are not willing to listen to offers for the striker this summer.

Goal exclusively revealed that the Uruguay international is poised to hand in a formal transfer request in order to secure a move to Arsenal, who lodged a £42 million bid for the forward on July 22.

But despite the speculation surrounding Suarez’s future, his Anfield boss believes the player is fully understanding of the club’s position – and even described the player as being “happy” with the situation.

“It’s a story that can keep running but for me there is no new news,” Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

“Luis is happy. He totally understands the club’s point of view. He’s in a difficult position in terms of not being able to play because of his suspension – he will sit out the first six games and he will miss playing football.”

Suarez is currently four games into a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League clash on 21 April.

And while Rodgers suggests the time on the sidelines and the transfer speculation could have a detrimental impact on his player’s preparation for the season, he insists Suarez is remaining positive and is ready for the new season.

“He’s working hard and remains part of the group. He hasn’t been moping about,” he continued. “It’s obviously difficult when you come back after a break but he has settled in and has been working well.

“He needs to get up to speed and we will continue to work to get all the players ready for the first game of the season.”

Suarez scored 23 goals in 33 Premier League appearances last term, and was odds-on to finish with the Golden Boot before his ban allowed Robin van Persie to edge him out with 26 strikes.