Rodgers : Title race not over yet

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has refused to concede the Premier League title to Manchester City ahead of the final day of the season, while also revealing he is close to signing a new contract.

Rodgers admitted the crown would go to Liverpool's north-west rivals after the 3-3 draw at Crystal Palace on Monday night, but told his press conference for Sunday's meeting with Newcastle that he had not given up on a first league trophy in 24 years.

Firstly, the Reds must beat the Magpies at Anfield and hope West Ham overturn leaders City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with both matches live on Sky Sports.

Rodgers is hopeful that the Hammers have enough quality to help Liverpool out with their side of the bargain and said: "It's certainly not over.

"First and foremost, we can only concentrate on our job, our job is to win the game.

"I think Alan (Pardew) will come and he'll want to finish his season strong. We know that it's a tough game.

"But the combination of us at home and our supporters has been fantastic for us. To look to get 16 wins out of 19 come the weekend would pencil in a great return for us at home.

"For them (Manchester City), West Ham have got some really talented players. To be able to go to Tottenham and win 3-0, you can certainly go to Manchester City and win, specially if you a guy like big Andy (Carroll) up front with the quality that he has.

"City have got a really good defensive record, 14-odd clean sheets I think, so it shows that they're a really difficult team to play against.

"So our focus is on ourselves, if we do our job then I'll be happy."

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Rodgers to sign new Liverpool deal

The Northern Irishman's current deal expires in the summer of 2015 but, having led the Reds to the brink of a first league title in 24 years, an extension is expected

Brendan Rodgers says he is "sure" he will sign a new contract with Liverpool at the end of the season.

The Northern Irishman has led his side to within touching distance of a first league title in 24 years, sitting five points clear at the top with three matches left to play.

Rodgers signed a three-year deal in June 2012, but – having seen his team secure qualification for next season's Champions League at the very least – he is expected to earn a new contract.

"There is nothing really until the end of the season, but there is no doubt that at some point we will agree another deal," the 41-year-old said. "I am sure of that."

While several clubs are expected to be interested in Rodgers, the former Swansea manager insists he still has a lot to achieve at Liverpool.

"Pride would be a good word to describe the overall evolution of the club and how it is been growing on and off the field - but it is also the job," he added.

"This is a giant of a club in the football world and to be able to build it up again and see how the supporters, and also the general public are enjoying Liverpool, is great.

"I knew it was a huge club and that is why I came, and because of the history and the great past, but it is not until you live it every day of your life you actually realise how big."

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Liverpool Eye Move For Mexican Right Back Hiram Mier, talks ongoing

Defence is one of the areas where Liverpool will be looking to invest in the winter transfer window. While, there is enough cover for the centre-back roles, manager Brendan Rodgers could be looking to bolster the full-back areas.

A left-back is a priority but at the same time Rodgers might be looking to buy a good right-back as well.

First choice right-back Glen Johnson’s form has deteriorated as the season progressed, while Rodgers probably don’t see Martin Kelly and young Andre Wisdom in the right-back roles.

Liverpool were linked with a move for Barcelona full-back Martin Montoya, but it seems the young Spaniard will opt to stay at the Catalan club.

According to latest report from Italian website Tuttomercato, Liverpool are targeting Mexican right back Hiram Mier, who is currently playing for his home town club Monterrey in Liga MX. The report says, talks are going on over a possible deal.

The 24-year-old made his senior debut for the club in 2010 and has made 87 appearances for the club. He has eight caps for the national team and was part of the U23 Olympic squad that won gold at London 2012 – playing in the final against Brazil.

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Rodgers: Liverpool not dependant on Suarez

Brendan Rodgers insists that Liverpool are not a one-man team - despite Luis Suarez’s performances dominating the headlines this season.

The striker has notched up 19 goals in the opening half of the 2013-14 Premier League campaign, despite missing the opening five games due to a ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

Despite Suarez's dominance, Rodgers is keen to prove his less-talked-about players are playing their part.

"This is a group that has always been labelled as a one-man team," Rodgers told reporters.

"When Luis was playing, it was a 'one-man team'. He came out and we still continued to get results; Daniel Sturridge came out and we continued to get results; Steven Gerrard came out and we continued to get results.

"Importantly, on top of that, we got performances. We work in a certain way that aligns everyone into that model so everyone knows when they come into the team they know their job and specifically what they're doing.

"We'll always be reliant on the team ethic. We've got more injuries but I see it as an opportunity for players that maybe haven't featured or played so much.

"They have now got to stand up and show that they can be involved a lot more regularly. That's what I expect over the next couple of games."

Injuries have weakened Rodgers' squad - with the Northern Irishman forced to use 18 year-old debutant Brad Smith as a substitute against Chelsea - but he was unmoved when asked about January incomings.

"There's nothing to add on anything with regard to players coming in," he said. "There's nothing imminent.

"Obviously the recruitment team are busy putting things together in terms of the profile of players we need here to improve the team and the squad.

"The owners have invested millions upon millions into the team; every window we arrive in looking to improve it where we can. This window will be no different."

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Rodgers : Coutinho is a big loss

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Liverpool will be without Philippe Coutinho for at least six weeks after he underwent shoulder surgery.

Anyway , after having surgery on Thursday, Rodgers expects the 21-year-old to be unavailable until the end of October.

"He's only just having it today so the timescale from the medics is obviously up to six weeks," the Liverpool boss told reporters.

"We wouldn't anticipate any sooner than that. It's unfortunate for him because he's been in great form since he came here in January.

"Hopefully we'll get him back sooner rather than later and then he can come into the group again.

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