Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel claims leaving Anfield was never an option during the transfer window. The Slovakia international told SITA: "I'm staying at Liverpool. The rumours were never as strong as it was made out.

"Competition is big but when I look at how we have played, I would say that we belong in the top four."

"There has been no contact with other clubs because the Liverpool management told me that they were counting on me. That is why a transfer was never in my plans.

"I have never considered it (the United game) to be a chance to show that I deserve to stay at Liverpool. It was a big derby but, on the other hand, it was also just another league game."

The 28 year old added: "Players come, players leave, it's a normal thing and we will see how it develops."

Liverpool have opened the new season with three successive 1-0 wins and Skrtel believes they should be setting their sights on a top-four finish.

"You may say that the number of clubs competing is increasing from one year to the next. Again we have seen clubs spending big sums of money - (Manchester) City, Tottenham, Chelsea and even Arsenal.

"Competition is big but when I look at how we have played, I would say that we belong in the top four."