Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool’s transfer ambitions will not be compromised by their inability to offer Champions League football, as they step up their pursuit of Memphis Depay.
While Manchester United remain favourites to land the exciting Holland international, Liverpool were given permission by PSV Eindhoven to talk to Depay.
Paris Saint-Germain have also spoken to the 21-year-old, who has scored 21 goals in the Eredivisie this season.
PSV are looking for £25million for Depay, who has also been linked with Bayern Munich. Rodgers said: ‘The kid is obviously a very talented player.
‘It is clear we need a goal threat for next season. There will be a raft of players that will be looked at. Then it will be up to the club to see if they are affordable and available. There are targets that have been identified as a priority.’
Rodgers does not intend to be as busy as last year when he made eight new signings. Burnley’s Danny Ings and James Milner of Manchester City are prime targets, while Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke could be an option but Depay is a marker of their ambition.
How, though, will they lure targets from outside the top four? Liverpool’s recent history is littered with moves for big players that collapsed — Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa are prime examples.
Rodgers, who saw similar failings hinder his side in a tepid draw with West Bromwich, accepts there is a big challenge facing Liverpool this summer but is confident they will be able to bring in the required quality.
‘If we are not in the Champions League, players will still maybe want to come if the project is right for them to learn and develop,’ said Rodgers, who could be without Steven Gerrard at Hull tomorrow night after he picked up a knock.
‘But if we can regroup and get some quality starters in, we can go on another great adventure. If we are looking to regain what we had last season, we need that tempo to our game and our approach play. That is key. If we can do that, we will have an opportunity to really kick on again.’ – Daily Mail