• Premier League

Rodgers hoping for Liverpool additions

Daniel Sturridge proved to be an astute January transfer window signing by Brendan Rodgers © Getty Images

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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has set himself the challenge of matching January's transfer successes in the upcoming window, but knows it will be tough.

Rodgers had a difficult first summer window after taking charge at Anfield in June 2012, as the departure of Andy Carroll to West Ham - initially on loan - coupled with the failure to sign a replacement, as well as the subsequent injury to Fabio Borini, left Luis Suarez as the club's only recognised striker between October and January of last season.

But Rodgers had far more joy in the winter transfer window, bringing in forward Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea for £12 million and playmaker Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan for £8 million.

Both have become important players in their first 11 months on Merseyside, with Sturridge scoring 22 goals in 30 appearances for the club before being sidelined with an ankle injury last month.

Coutinho's creativity has helped to provide chances both for Sturridge and 15-goal top scorer Luis Suarez - himself a January signing from Ajax in 2011.

Rodgers has been linked with plenty of targets, but has refused to be drawn on who he will try to sign. He is, though, looking to improve a squad who go into the weekend lying second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Arsenal.

Ahead of Sunday's trip to Tottenham, Rodgers said: "It's not just about getting the players. It's about who is available, who can improve you. We did some remarkable business last January by bringing in Coutinho and Sturridge.

"What I do know is that if there is a player or players out there who will improve our team, the owners will support that. They have been outstanding for me. It just depends on the availability of the right type of player. That has to be a player who can come into the team and improve us."

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