Rodgers: "Suarez is not for sale. There will be no bidding war."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Luis Suarez's best form is still to come and is confident it will be witnessed on Merseyside as he seeks to build his team around the striker.

The Reds boss dismissed reports speculating about a £40million bid from Manchester City - who have distanced themselves from the rumours - in January, insisting the subject was not even up for discussion and the striker not for sale.

Rodgers also expressed his confidence contract discussions with another of the club's prized assets, 17-year-old Raheem Sterling - who made his England debut in the friendly against Sweden last night - would be resolved "without issue".

The teenager, who turns 18 next month, has 18 months remaining on his current deal and is also reportedly attracting interest from other clubs but the player last weekend dismissed claims any hold-up was down to a disagreement over wage demands.

However, Suarez, whom Rodgers claims is in "the form of his life", remains the one player Liverpool cannot afford to lose.

"He is not for sale. There will be no bidding war. He's staying here," said the Reds boss.

Of Suarez's 11 goals this season eight have come in 11 Barclays Premier League matches, making him joint top scorer with Manchester United's #24million summer signing Robin van Persie.

His league tally since joining Liverpool from Ajax for £22.75million in January 2011 is impressive with 24 in 55 matches.

Click video to hear what Brendan had to say about keeping hold of Suarez and Gerrard's 100th cap.

Sterling is the other player at Anfield to have made an impact this season as his rapid rise continued with a first England senior appearance.

Rodgers does not envisage the teenager's newly-elevated status will prove to be a barrier in negotiations over a new contract.

Sterling only made his first-team debut last March but has started Liverpool's last 10 league matches and has become an increasingly important figure in Rodgers' set-up.

However, even the manager admits the 17-year-old's ascent has taken him aback.

"I have been surprised to be honest. You just never know with young players," he said.

"I think the biggest thing you can do with kids is give them a chance - so long as they are showing on a daily basis they are worthy of that opportunity.