The Dutch goalkeeper insists he is happy to remain at the Liberty Stadium amid speculation he could move to Liverpool, and is looking forward to competing in the Europa League

Swansea City goalkeeper Michel Vorm has insisted he is happy at the Liberty Stadium following speculation of a summer departure.

Vorm has been an important figure in Michael Laudrup’s side this season, though Gerhard Tremmel was preferred in the Capital One Cup, and has constantly been linked with moves away from the club.

The 29-year-old appeared to be open to a reunion with former Swans boss and current Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers during a recent interview, but now claims the quotes were taken out of context.

“The comments that came out of the interview from the Dutch press have been lost in translation,” Vorm told the club’s official website.

“They asked me about Brendan and I said I enjoyed working under him. Of course I did, he was the man that brought me here and we had a successful season.

“But I did not say I wanted to go to Liverpool or anywhere else – I am very happy here at Swansea. Not once have I told my agent or the chairman Huw Jenkins that I want to leave here.”

Vorm has been linked with a host of moves away including transfers to Manchester United and Barcelona – a move to the Spanish giants only heightened by his family visit to the Catalan city last weekend.

Yet the Swans goalkeeper put an end to speculation linking him with a move to the Nou Camp and insisted he was looking forward to taking part in Swansea’s adventure in Europe next season.

He continued: “The Barcelona story was a shock to me. It’s quite funny when I think about it, because I had a couple of days free so I wanted to fly somewhere close and sunny, so my family went to Barcelona.

“This season has been incredible for us. We are doing so well in the league and, of course, we won the Capital One Cup which means we are playing in Europe next season.

“Everyone is looking forward to being a part of that adventure – myself included – but first of all we must ensure that we finish this season strongly.”

The chief executive of the organisation believes the Liverpool striker’s inclusion is justified despite his controversy and lauded him as “one of the finest players in the world”

The Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has defended the inclusion of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez on the six-man shortlist for the Player of the Year award.

Suarez has enjoyed his best season for the Reds since his arrival from Ajax three seasons ago, scoring 29 goals in all competitions since the arrival of Brendan Rodgers last summer.  

The Uruguay international has been a constant figure of controversy during his career which has been marred by claims of racial abuse and allegations of simulation, yet Gordon Taylor has defended his inclusion.

“Sometimes controversy travels with players,” Taylor told reporters.

“Sometimes it is in their very nature. Sometimes it is that very intensity that causes a problem also makes sure they win.

“Luis Suarez is helping to restore Liverpool. It is a credit to them that he seems comfortable there and no one could deny he is one of the finest players in the world.”

Suarez is nominated alongside Gareth Bale, Michael Carrick, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie for the award with the winner due to be announced on 28 April.

The PFA chief executive believes Suarez deserves to be judged on his footballing ability despite admitting controversy is likely to follow the player throughout his career.

“It is very difficult at times,” continued Taylor. “Players are expected to be top role models and set the finest example. That goes with the trade these days.

“I don’t underestimate the need for them to do all they can to be seen as a good example. But they are also human beings. It is not always possible to put old heads on relatively young shoulders.

“This is a footballing award and Suarez’s footballing ability shines through. It would be naive to think controversy won’t continue to travel with him. But I think his football has maintained his place.”

Chelsea duo Juan Mata and Eden Hazard make up the shortlist as the nominations for the annual award are announced, with the winner to be revealed on Sunday April 28

The shortlist for the PFA Player of the Year award has been announced with Gareth Bale, Michael Carrick, Luis Suarez, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Robin van Persie all nominated.

The surprise name to miss out on a nomination is Swansea striker Michu, who has scored 17 goals in his debut Premier League season.

2011 champions Bale is the favourite to win the competition after an outstanding season with Tottenham, scoring 17 goals in 27 Premier league appearances, and also putting in some stunning performances with Wales.

Luis Suarez leads the Premier League golden boot race with 22 goals for Liverpool this season, as he recovered from a stormy year to put in some fantastic performances for the Reds under new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Reigning champion Robin van Persie is second to Suarez in the scoring charts this season, in his first year at Old Trafford, chipping in with crucial goals and eight assists as Manchester United look set to seal their 20th league title.

Juan Mata has had an exceptional second season at Chelsea, scoring 10 league goals and 11 assists despite off-field turmoil at Stamford Bridge.

Mata’s team-mate Eden Hazard has also adapted well to the Premier League, wowing fans with his skills alongside his eight goals and nine assists.

A surprising inclusion on the list is Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, who has in the past been criticised for his lack of influence in the midfield. However, the 31-year-old has proved critics wrong this season, only missing one Premier League game all year.