Liverpool's Stewart Downing: 'It's important for us to keep Luis Suarez'

Stewart Downing has insisted that the entire Liverpool squad are desperate for Luis Suarez to remain at Anfield this summer.

Downing also claims that the wantaway Uruguayan, who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, has recently held positive talks with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

"It's so important for us to keep hold of him as Luis is one hell of a player," Downing told reporters. "He's had some good discussions with the manager which will remain private.

"For us as players nothing changes. He's still the same player and he's a great lad to have around the place. He gets on well with all the lads.

"Luis knows we all want him to stay. It'd be so disappointing to lose him."

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has also urged Suarez to stay on Merseyside.