The Liverpool manager insists that the club have no intention of selling the striker but believes the Uruguayan is on the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that Luis Suarez is on course to become a £100 million player.

The Uruguay international’s 28 goals have been integral to the Reds’ Premier League title challenge this season after the club were forced to reject two bids from Arsenal last summer.

And while Rodgers has dismissed any suggestions of selling Suarez at the end of the campaign, the Liverpool manager believes that the forward is performing at the same standard as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

“He is certainly heading towards that [£100m valuation],” Rodgers told reporters.

“If you look at the top people in the world, the Ronaldos, the Messis, those who have been doing it for five or six years, he would be right at that level.

“Luis is certainly on his way towards that. His consistency has been phenomenal and what you see now is a more mature player.

“He is a world-class talent. Things evolve and times change. Time will tell.”

The Reds sit just a point behind league leaders Chelsea but the Northern Irishman wants both players and fans to remain calm as the season draws to a close

Brendan Rodgers has called on Liverpool’s players and supporters to remain calm and collected in the Premier League title run-in.

The Merseysiders sit just a point behind table-topping Chelsea with seven games remaining following a run of seven consecutive victories – form that has led many fans to believe that the club’s 24-year wait for a 19th top-flight crown could be about to end.

Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Sunderland at Anfield was preceded by supporters lining the streets to greet the arrival of the Liverpool team bus, and the division’s in-form side go in search of an eighth straight win when they host Tottenham on Sunday.

However, while manager Rodgers accepts it is only natural for everyone associated with the club to feel excitement as the season draws to a close, he insists it is vital for players and supporters alike to keep cool under pressure – starting against Tim Sherwood’s side this weekend.

“My message to the fans is to enjoy it,” the Northern Irishman told the Liverpool Echo.

“We need the fans to stay calm. I know when you want something so much, that’s easier said than done.

“They haven’t been in this position for a while. I can understand that sometimes there is that bit of trepidation and fear, but what we’re looking to put in place here isn’t just for one season.

“We’re looking to put something in place for the longer term in order to have sustainable success.

“The atmosphere at Anfield can be a real cauldron and now we really need our army of supporters to really get behind us.

“If a player makes a mistake, then encourage him. That’s so important, because if they get that encouragement then they will get on the ball again.

“Amazing support at home is something we’ve had all season, Let’s make sure in these last remaining games it continues along that way.

“Don’t be frightened to really enjoy it because as players and staff, we will. the players here are very relaxed and focused.”

The former Real Madrid coach was left aghast that the Wales star went to replace his footwear against Sevilla in the build-up to Carlos Bacca’s winning goal

Former Real Madrid boss John Toshack has branded Gareth Bale’s decision to change his boots in the middle of his side’s match with Sevilla as “criminal”.

Bale moved to the sidelines to change his footwear while play was continuing in the second half at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, allowing Ivan Rakitic to launch a counterattack down the Welshman’s vacated flank and set up Carlos Bacca for the winning goal.

Toshack believes his compatriot deserves the wrath of coach Carlo Ancelotti and claims such a decision would never have been allowed during his playing days with Liverpool.

“Bale changing his boots 70 minutes in – leaving the pitch to change them – is criminal; the coach should give him the silent treatment for a month,” Toshack is quoted as saying by Marca. “At Liverpool, the club I grew up at, it would be simply inconceivable.”

Defeat to Sevilla saw Madrid fall three points behind Liga leaders Atletico Madrid ahead of their clash with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.