Daniel Agger: I Do Not Want to be a Third Choice Defender at Liverpool

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has hinted at a potential summer exit after expressing that he is unwilling to settle for a role on the bench for the upcoming campaign.

The 29-year-old saw his number of appearances take a significant tumble this season, with only 16 Premier League starts.

Mamadou Sakho, who joined Liverpool last summer, has threatened Agger's place in the starting XI. The former Paris Saint-Germain defender started 17 times in the league this season and could usurp the Reds' vice-captain in the long run.

Agger also pointed out that his lack of first-team opportunities could be down to Brendan Rodgers' lack of faith in his abilities.

The centre-back had been the subject of an interest from Barcelona last year but the Danish international spurned the chance to leave the Merseyside club.

The Catalan giants are reportedly keen on renewing their interest for the Dane in the summer to replace the departing Carles Puyol.

"No, I'm no one's third choice. It definitely wasn't great [not starting regularly]. But I don't make the decisions. I can't go and put myself on the team sheet. I think it is because the manager doesn't think that I'm good enough. I don't know [if I'll be with Liverpool next season]. That's up to the manager," Sky Sports quoted Agger as saying.

Denmark have failed to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil and face against Hungary and Sweden in friendly fixtures before the turn of the month.

Agger stressed that he wants to focus on completing his international duties and insisted that he has not given a thought about his future at Anfield.

"I'm not thinking about my future. Now my focus is on the next international games with Denmark and then I'm looking forward to a long five-week holiday. My body and my mind needs to relax," Agger said.

Agger's commitment to the Reds could further be tested as Rodgers is looking to bolster his squad with six additions in order to improve his side's chances of winning silverwares next year.

The Northern Irishman wants to strengthen his back four for eliminating the defensive frailties that hampered this season's title bid.

Recent reports suggest that Liverpool are considering a move for Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon and have Southampton's Dejan Lovren on their wish list.