BRENDAN RODGERS believes Nuri Sahin has added a new dimension to Liverpool since his arrival at the club – but admits he is unsure whether the on-loan midfielder will remain at Anfield beyond the end of the current campaign.

Sahin arrived on Merseyside after signing a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid back in August, and has scored three goals in his last two games, impressing with his drive, passing ability and control from the middle of midfield. He netted his first Premier League strike in Saturday’s 5-2 win at Norwich City.

Liverpool have first refusal on the 24-year-old should Real look to offload him on a permanent basis next summer, but Rodgers says it is too early to say whether Sahin will remain with the club at this stage.

He said: “I don’t look beyond the loan period because there are lots of things which will determine whether he ever comes here.

“One has to be availability. Jose (Mourinho, the Real Madrid manager) may decide after one year playing that he is really the type of player he wants around his squad.

“Two: He might not be affordable. Affordability is important as well. We’d all love Lionel Messi but whether you can afford him or he’s available is another thing.

“All I can concentrate on is Sahin coming in here and helping him become the best player he can possibly be. If he finds he enjoys it here and he fits into the way we work, which I am sure he would do because he is a good guy and understands the game tactically and is prepared to fight for the club, then that is something come the end of the season we will talk about.

“But at this stage it is way too early. He is just starting to get up to speed fitness-wise but he has a wonderful left foot and the ability to score a goal. He’s a master technician with the ball and he’s hungry; he was the captain of Borussia Dortmund at a very young age so he’s got those natural leadership qualities as well.”