Brendan Rodgers refuses to break the bank

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that he won't be held to ransom over transfer fees this summer.

So far the club have spent a reported £25m to sign both Fabio Borini from Roma and Joe Allen from Swansea City but have managed to sell big-earning Alberto Aquilani.

The former Swans boss is adamant that he won't be paying over-the-odds fees and wages for players in the current window.

"In professional and social life, I like to get value, that's just my nature and my upbringing," he said.

"I won't pay anything at all costs. If there is a player who can make a difference, we'll do all we can to get him. What I'm not prepared to do is waste time, money and effort for anyone who won't add value. I prefer the hungry player, one who wants to succeed.

"They will earn good money - and they will get their value and worth if they perform."

Liverpool get their Premier League campaign underway at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.