Steven Gerrard hopes Liverpool's quartet of new signings will improve their chances of making the Champions League. Boss Brendan Rodgers has already done deals for Manchester City defender Kolo Toure, Sevilla midfielder Luis Alberto, Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas and Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet.

"I'm really looking forward to getting started, especially with the news of us making a few signings," he said.

"It's always important to get faces in as soon as possible; they can get a full pre-season under their belt, get to know the lads and how the manager wants to play.

"There are some exciting names in there so everyone is excited." While the likes of Alberto and Aspas may not be well-known names in England, Gerrard has full confidence in the manager and his backroom staff.

"I know very little about them, but I have a lot belief and confidence in Brendan and the scouting department that they are going to make the right decisions and I have seen bits and bobs of the new signings we have made," he told LFC TV.

"I am really looking forward to getting back to work next week and seeing what the new players have got to offer and see if they can help strengthen our squad to put in a better fight for a top-four finish."