Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Daniel Sturridge and his teammates should relish the arrival of quality players at the club.

The Reds are close to sealing a move for AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, and Rodgers feels that his players should not be concerned about competition for places if they want to be successful this season.

He told reporters: "The dynamics between players are important. But I don't worry because if you are a top player with a top mind, you want other top players.

"If you are worried about what someone else can come in and do then... If you are a top player and you are looking at another top player coming in, you will be thinking, 'he can help us'.

"If you are a top player with a top mentality, you respond to the competition. I also need flexibility and also if you look at Daniel's injury record, he has missed a number of weeks through being injured. I need to ensure I've got the replacements if they are not on the pitch at the same time."

Liverpool face Manchester City in their Premier League clash later today.