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Rodgers targets 'five or six' to join Liverpool revolution

Brendan Rodgers says the Liverpool owners recognise the need for strengthening the squad ahead of their Champions League return © Getty Images

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Brendan Rodgers is preparing to bolster his Liverpool squad with six players ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

Rodgers admits his side will need strengthening if they are to repeat their surprise Premier League title push next year as well as cope with the demands of Europe's top competition.

"It's hard to define numbers, but it will have to be something like five or six," Rodgers said. "It's absolutely right to say the squad isn't big enough. The owners recognise that and have been great.

"They have entrusted me to come in and put my vision in place. They want something sustainable. They have brought a manager in who will, hopefully, be here a long time. I am someone who builds. I'm not a maintainer. I like to grow and develop and nurture.

"We've a great recruitment team who have been preparing for quite a while. They know the number and profile of players we want."

The Mail on Sunday claims Rodgers will get around £60 million to spend this summer and is already renewing his interest in Yevhen Konoplyanka; a £16m move for the Dnipro winger broke down in January.

Argentina left-back Marcos Rojo has also been pinpointed for a move to Anfield, while Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Steven Caulker are thought to be on Rodgers' domestic shopping list.

Rodgers revealed that a lack of Champions League football thwarted potential signings last summer, but the club are in a much-improved position this time around as they look to make waves in the transfer market.

"It was hugely important we got back into the Champions League within these three years because the financial climate changes. But we need to inject the squad with quality and continue on our journey," Rodgers said.

"Having spoken to some players about coming last summer, they respected and loved the club but wanted to play at the top level. This summer, we're a totally different proposition.

"Top players want to play in a creative, attacking team that wins. Hopefully what we have put in place prepares us for bringing in this calibre of player and sets us up to have a real crack at every competition."

Rodgers is also keen to discuss a new contract with captain Steven Gerrard this summer. Gerrard has flourished under the Welshman, having dropped into a deeper midfield role.

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