Bayer Leverkusen sports director Simon Rolfes has cooled talk of interest from Liverpool.

Rolfes has been linked with the Reds as they seek a new sports director. Bayer coach Xabi Alonso is also a target.

But he told Kicker: “The fact that there is a lot of speculation about the protagonists of Bayer 04 due to our current successes is part of the business.

"But that doesn't change my orientation.

"It's not without reason that I only extended my contract in the Fall. I am absolutely happy in Leverkusen in this constellation."