Charlie Adam has played down speculation linking him with a move to Fulham, claiming that he has no intention of leaving Liverpool.

Adam did not feature in the Reds’ 3-0 opening-day defeat at West Brom as rumours of a move to Craven Cottage continue to circulate.

The Scot was discussed, along with Stewart Downing, as a possible makeweight in a deal for Clint Dempsey but is adamant that he wants to remain at Anfield for several years.

“I have never heard anything about Fulham, nobody has spoken to me about it, so for the moment it is paper talk and at the moment I am not going anywhere,” Adam told The Scotsman.

“I am happy at Liverpool and why would I leave after a year? There is no point.

“I am open enough to say I have had a conversation with the manager but for me I’m not going anywhere.

“I am playing with some of the best players in the world, I have a good coach, good manager, and I am learning every day from what he is doing.

“I want to play this year and hopefully I get the opportunity to do that. It is a big season for everybody.

“For us at Liverpool it is a big season, we have got the Europa League and we want to improve on what we did last year in the league.”

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes that it is vital to the progress of the club that they hold on to centre-back pair Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel.

The duo formed an impressive partnership at the heart of the Reds’ back line last season, meaning that Carragher often spent long spells on the substitutes’ bench.
But the veteran is prepared to look beyond his lack of match action and is more concerned that the club do not let either of their top talents depart Anfield.

“It’s probably not so good for me but, joking apart, it’s absolutely vital we keep them,” the 34-year-old told the Daily Star.

“I know Vincent Kompany was great for Manchester City last season but, for me, as a defensive partnership these two are the best in the Premier League.

“I don’t think either has signed a new contract just yet but Martin is very close and Daniel wants to stay at Liverpool. That’s brilliant news.”

Carragher looks set to win back his place in the Liverpool defence after Agger conceded a penalty and received a red card in his side’s 3-0 opening-day defeat at West Brom on Saturday.

His partner Skrtel also gave away a spot kick in new boss Brendan Rodgers’ disappointing first league game in charge of the Reds at the Hawthorns.

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has revealed that Manchester City attacker Mario Balotelli played a role in his decision to move to Anfield.

The Italian left Roma for the Reds during the summer and claims that the controversial City forward helped him decide to make the switch back to England.

“The fans played a big part [in me joining Liverpool],” Borini told FourFourTwo.

“When I was with Italy at Euro 2012, I was talking to Balotelli about England, and he told me that Liverpool had the most exciting fans to play in front of.

“He described it as a beautiful experience.

“I became aware that Brendan Rodgers wanted me, and once I got the official request I knew what to do. I spoke with Roma to discuss it and we came to an agreement.”

The 21-year-old also claimed that, despite preferring to play as a centre forward, he would be happy to feature in a variety of new positions for his new team.

“I am a striker but I played right and left at Roma. I think I have the attributes to fill the manager’s approach,” Borini added.

“I like to work hard for the team, which is what his tiki-taka style demands.

“I just try to be available and always offer an option. I love scoring goals and hope to get many more wearing the red of Liverpool.”