Brendan Rodgers: title or no title, stars now want to be Reds
Liverpool manager plotting for a summer shopping spree and reckons this season's achievements have sent a message to the world of football
Liverpool may have lost the initiative in this season's English Premier League title race, but as he plans for a fresh assault next season, manager Brendan Rodgers believes the guarantee of a Champions League berth and the style of play he has developed at the club will entice star names to Anfield this summer.
The five-times European champions have been the revelation of the Premier League season with their high-tempo attacking game and could still win a first title in 24 years over the next week - though if Manchester City win their two remaining games they are almost certain to take the crown, following Saturday night's crucial win over Everton.
The owners recognise that we will need an injection of quality for next year and I know the profile of the players we will need
"We will need to bring in players over the summer and the great plus about being in the Champions League is that it makes it easier to attract the top ones," Rodgers said.
"We have a way of working and a way of playing that recommends itself to leading players.
"We have established a reputation as a creative, attacking team that wants to win games and that should stand us in good stead.
"Last summer when we were speaking to certain players they said they respected what we were trying to achieve, but they wanted to play at the top level.