The Reds manager feels that his side were unable to give the FA Cup and Capital One Cup their full attention last season but aims to have “a proper go” after signing more players

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is looking forward to bulking out the number of players in his squad in order to have “a proper go” at the FA Cup and Capital One Cup.

The Reds are close to signing Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, in addition to securing Kolo Toure as a free agent, as they begin a busy summer, the boss’s goal to expand on the “paper-thin” playing staff of 2012-13.

The Northern Irishman pointed to the impact of January signings Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge as proof of the revitalising effect of additional players.

Rodgers told reporters: “This time, we’ll certainly give the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup a proper go – we have a much better squad to do that.

“We had a paper-thin squad last year, we had kids all the way through. Obviously those players who have come in [in January] have added quality and it’s no coincidence that we have kicked on when we’ve had quality in the group.

“We need to improve the group and the depth but that’s what gives me great hope for the summer. If we can add that, we can make a real start and then we’re ready to challenge.

“You can flip it about but it’s the depth, really. We just need to build up the depth of the squad. I want to have people who might be disappointed because they’re not even on the bench. At the minute we probably don’t have that so it’s competition we want to get.

“I don’t want a massive group; we want a tight group with a real core of 17 or 18 players who feel they should always be playing and then supported by a few of our top young talents.”

The Spanish forward cautiously speaks of his enthusiasm after being understood to have completed a medical on Friday, with his agent confirming that an agreement is near

Spanish forward Iago Aspas has spoken of his excitement as his €8.2 million move from Celta Vigo to Liverpool moves ever closer.
The 25-year-old, who can play up front or out wide, attracted interest from a number of clubs but revealed that his heart was set on moving to Merseyside as soon as he was aware of the Reds’ desire to sign him.

The Celestes star is understood to have had a medical with Liverpool on Wednesday before returning to Spain.

“I’m excited,” Aspas told Radio Galega, “but I prefer not to say anything until it becomes an official agreement between the clubs.”

While Aspas quietly anticipated his switch, his brother and agent, Jonathan Aspas, also confirmed that the deal is nearing completion.

“There should be no problems,” he observed. “Now only bureaucratic issues remain unresolved.”

The 25-year-old enjoyed a fine debut season in top-flight football, netting 12 goals to help Celta narrowly avoid relegation from La Liga, also chipping in with seven assists.

The Reds boss believes that with a few additions to his squad, the Merseysiders can mount a serious challenge to the teams chasing Champions League qualification

Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool can fight off stiff competition to secure a top-four finish next season.

The 40-year-old, who guided the Reds to seventh last term, feels his side now needs no more than a couple of additions to reach their target of returning to the Champions League.

He told The Daily Mirror: “I’m not here to be comfortable, to sit and earn the money and just enjoy being Liverpool manager.

“There’s a pressure that comes with it and  I believe we’re in a much better place to challenge now. I think we can do it – I believe we have built a real good base this year.

“Of course, it will be a tough ask because, as we improve, other clubs will have masses more money to do so as well.

“But it’s not my job to look for excuses, I have to find the solutions to try to push us in there – and I believe we won’t be too far away.

“What we showed last season was promise. There were moments of disappointment and moments of delight, but when I look at the reality of it we scored 47 goals the year before and this time got 71 – and we hope to add to that amount.”

Spanish forward Iago Aspas is set to complete a move to Anfield from Celta Vigo this week, but Rodgers does not intend to stop his summer spending there.

“Defensively, for a team that was supposed to be very strong a year earlier, we only conceded three more goals,” he added.

“So in terms of numbers and performance wise we improved. Now I believe we will improve again – and we have to because we want to sustain a challenge and aim higher every season.

“We need one/two centre-halves, and I’m looking to bring 20 more goals into the team –  so I’m also looking at an offensive player to give us a real threat on goal and another attacking midfield player.

“We definitely need to do that, especially if we’re going to put some young ones out on loan to gain experience.”