• Premier League

Gerrard: Liverpool 'close' to success

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool are getting closer to becoming successful under manager Brendan Rodgers.

The club captain, who inspired the his team-mates to victory over Melbourne Victory, is happy with the signings Rodgers has made during the close season.

Liverpool have brought in goalkeeper Simon Mignolet from Sunderland for £9 million, former Manchester City defender Kolo Toure on a free transfer, midfielder Luis Alberto in a £6.8 million deal from Sevilla and forward Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo for £7.7 million.

In addition, the club are also understood to be chasing a season-long loan deal for Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho.

Liverpool's only trophy since 2006 was the League Cup, won under former manager Kenny Dalglish in 2012, and they have not been league champions since 1990.

Liverpool's summer recruits

Liverpool's new goalkeeper © Getty Images

• Simon Mignolet £9 million from Sunderland
  Kolo Toure Free transfer
  Luis Alberto £6.8 million from Sevilla
  Iago Aspas £7.7 million from Celta Vigo

But Gerrard, who signed a two-year contract extension last week, believes the club are moving in the right direction.

The 33-year-old told The Australian newspaper: "Is success around the corner? I hope so. I believe and have confidence in the boys that we can deliver. We have bought well in the off-season and if we can get another two players in key areas then we have a good chance."

Gerrard also praised Rodgers for his efforts since succeeding Dalglish as manager in July 2012.

He added: "We have a great relationship. He has shown a lot of faith in me both on and off the field. It is early days, but I am sure our relationship will continue to grow.

"We are moving in the right direction. We are playing nice football and hopefully the owners continue to back him and he is able to add to the squad to make it stronger so we can compete for trophies."

Asked about Luis Suarez, the subject of a renewed bid of more than £40 million from Arsenal on Tuesday, Gerrard said: "He is still a Liverpool player."

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