Meireles says he’s staying put

LIVERPOOL midfielder Raul Meireles insists he will be playing for the club next season despite question marks over his future.

Manager Kenny Dalglish has brought in two midfielders in the shape of Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam, leading some to believe that Meireles could be offloaded.

Serie A giants Inter Milan are reportedly keen on ex-Porto man Meireles, but he has no thoughts about quitting Anfield for pastures new this summer.

On the club’s pre-season tour of China when he asked was asked if he would still be a Liverpool player this coming season, Meireles replied: “Of course.”

Meireles has also been troubled by an ankle problem, but he says he is on the mend, adding: “I have a little problem with my ankle, but I’ve start(ed) training today. It’s a little problem.”

Meanwhile, the club’s record signing Andy Carroll is looking to hit the ground running this term after arriving with an injury following his £35million capture from Newcastle.

“It was disappointing since I signed being injured,” said the England international. “Now I’m getting myself fit I’m looking forward to the start of season, which should be successful.”

Dalglish, meanwhile, believes their Premier League rivals have been taking note of their progress. The club were in free-fall last season under ex-boss Roy Hodgson, but the return of King Kenny immediately halted the slide.

Liverpool finished the season in fine fashion and there are real expectations the club can once again challenge for honours this term. “We’ve got a challenge from everyone in the Premier League, it’s not Spurs and Manchester City,” he said. “We’re good enough to put on a good performance against any team. We’ll try our best to do that. The most important thing for us is how other teams are looking at Liverpool. Other teams see Liverpool as a bigger threat.”