Brendan Rodgers: There is 'no issue' between me and Raheem Sterling, says Liverpool boss

Rodgers was speaking at a press conference in Thailand

(Getty Images)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has stated that there is "no issue" between he and Raheem Sterling, who is set to move to Manchester City for £49million.

Speaking at a press conference after arriving in Bangkok, Thailand, for their pre-season tour, Rodgers added that his relationship with Sterling had always been "very strong".

Sterling has been unhappy since at least the end of last season, according to his agent Aidy Ward, who was quoted as saying that he wouldn't sign a new deal at Liverpool even if they offered £900,000-a-week. Sterling will be offered around £200,000-a-week by City.

Other reports stated that Sterling had a complete breakdown in his relationship with Rodgers but the Liverpool manager says that is not true and he is happy with the business.

"The situation is currently very simple. The club has agreed a deal with another club for Raheem to be transferred and subject to a medical that'll go through," Rodgers said.

Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool training last week (Getty Images)

"Contrary to probably the last week or so in terms of what was written, Raheem and I have always remained very strong in our relationship and that remained the case when he left. So there is no issue there.

"I spoke to Raheem at length yesterday. There is no issue. The two clubs have agreed a deal, and he will move on. But at this moment in time the interest is with the players that are here."

Rodgers added: "It was important to improve and build the squad for the season. We're very pleased with the players we've brought in.

"The key for us is the overall team. Individuals like Raheem will have benefitted from the team. We obviously need the team to be stronger and more competitive than we were last season, but that will be reliant on everyone.

"We have started the pre-season in this first week, the camp has been strong, the focus has been hard and we just want to continue that way and take that confidence into the beginning of the season."

Rodgers said that it was not the right time to speak about potential transfer targers: "It is something that I don't want to go into in a press conference. I spent a lot of last season talking about transfers and it is not something I don't really want to do this year.

"Any business that we have done will be done behind the scenes. When we sign a player and it is announced you will be the first to know. It was important for us to improve and build the squad this season. We are very pleased with the players we have brought in."

The Liverpool manager said that Roberto Firmino, who is not in the Far East to have an extended rest after the Copa America, is "top class".

"He is a top-class player and played in Europe in a very good league but there is no pressure.

"He will come into the Premier League and it takes time to adapt. He has all the traits and profile in terms of what we want as a player. He works very hard, he's a talented player, scores goals, so we are really excited and look forward to him coming in."