Brendan Rodgers has outlined his plans to add more strength to the Liverpool squad this summer as he looks to build a side that is capable of challenging for a place in the top four next season.

It has been an up and down season for the Reds who have struggled to form any form of consistency. This was perhaps best summed up by their performances in April with as they disappointed with two goalless draws against West Ham and Reading, before claiming a battling point against Chelsea and then thrashing Newcastle United 6-0 at St. James Park.

Martin Montoya
Barcelona defender Martin Montoya is just one defender being linked with a possible move to Liverpool. [Reuters]

A lack of depth in the squad has meant that Rodgers has had to use a number of players from the academy and he admits that this summer it is vital he adds more strength in depth.

"I just think we need a bit more depth and a bit more quality," Rodgers told Sky Sports. "The players this year have done very well. I have asked everything of them and, in the main, they have done very well.

"The majority of the time there has not been too many performances where I have been really disappointed."

Liverpool have been linked with numerous players over the last few weeks, with reports suggesting they are keen to sign Swansea defender Ashley Williams and Reading defender Alex Pearce.

Rodgers knows that strengthening his defensive options will be vital in the summer as Liverpool have struggled to keep clean sheets all season and will no longer be able to call upon Jamie Carragher who is retiring at the end of the current campaign.

Talksport also believe that Barcelona defender Martin Montoya is being tracked by Liverpool as Rodgers looks to continue his policy of signing young players with plenty of potential.

The 22-year-old right-back has struggled to break into the Barcelona first team, with Dani Alves ahead of him in the pecking order, but he has impressed for Spain at various youth levels, including playing five games at the London Olympics.

It seems as though Liverpool fans will not have to wait long to discover who will be arriving in the summer as Rodgers made it clear that he wants to complete his business as early as possible.

"The club respect where we need to strengthen and where we need to improve," added Rodgers. "We have seen from the last window in January, we got our business done early and brought in two outstanding players in Sturridge and Coutinho.

"Hopefully we will have a similar impact in the summer. If we can do that, that will make me really happy with the group going forward."

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