Kolo Toure Vows to Remain at Liverpool After Talks with Brendan Rodgers

Kolo Toure has turned down the opportunity to leave Liverpool after being assured by Brendan Rodgers he remains part of his plans at Anfield.

The 33-year-old had been tipped to leave the club just one year after joining from Manchester City on a free transfer following Dejan Lovren's arrival on Merseyside.

Turkish club Trabzonspor made an approach for the Ivorian with the club's president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu yesterday revealing they had agreed terms with the former Arsenal defender

But Toure insists he is happy to remain at Liverpool after holding talks with Rodgers.

"I had talks with the coach who clearly indicated that I was part of his plans. It is a privilege to be at Liverpool," Toure told Sport Ivoire, talkSPORT reported.

"I am very happy to wear the shirt of this legendary club. I feel good physically. At 33 years of age, I am ready for any challenge. It is because I have been spared from serious injuries during my career.

"I continue to work hard in training to keep up the momentum, and it is why the coach wants to keep me at Liverpool. Trabzonspor are interested in me, but I have expressed my pleasure at being a Liverpool player.

"Yes, it is always a possibility to join a lower league for more playing time, but I am a competitor and I decided to stay at Liverpool. "

Despite finishing within just two points of Premier League champions Manchester City last term, Liverpool's frailties at the back were cause for concern for Rodgers. The club conceded the most goals out of the top five sides in the league last season, a problem the Reds boss has looked to resolve with the acquisitions of Lovren and Spanish full back Javier Manquillo.

The club are also set to solve an issue which has seen them sign six left-backs in eight years in sealing a deal for the highly-rated Alberto Moreno. The club have since confirmed they have agreed a fee with Sevilla for the 22-year-old defender who is currently in talks with the club over personal terms.