Liverpool Transfer News: Rodgers Rejects Napoli's Daniel Agger Loan Bid
Reds boss keen to keep small squad together.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has knocked back an approach from former Reds manager Rafa Benitez to take Danish defender and club vice-captain Daniel Agger on loan to Napoli.
The Liverpool Echo revealed that Benitez, who brought 29-year-old Agger to Anfield in 2006, wanted a reunion in Naples, but Rodgers and the club vetoed any move for the Dane.
Agger has been in and out the Reds XI this season, making eight Premier League starts from 16 matches. His last Liverpool appearance came in the 5-1 home win over Norwich, though he was back among the subs for the 5-0 away victory at Spurs.
Rodgers told the local press that it's up to Agger and other fringe players to force their way into his thinking. "Anytime anyone is on the bench there shouldn't be a question about whether he goes or do other clubs want to take someone on loan," he said.
"With the injuries we've got, it's a small squad and we don't have to move anyone out. If players aren't in the team then they need to fight to get back in the team.
"I pick the team and it's the job of a professional footballer to work hard and respect your teammates and that's what they're doing.
"There was spirit in our team at Tottenham. If you looked at our bench when we were scoring the goals and when we were winning, it was a happy bench.
"I've always said to the players that aren't playing that it's their responsibility to support the players that are playing. There's very much a togetherness here."
Long-serving Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina another Benitez signing is currently on loan at Napoli.