What do Liverpool need to challenge in Europe?

Defender – Virgil van Dijk

The centre back position is another that must be improved, but Liverpool already have a solid, reliable and ambitious defender on their books in Mamadou Sakho. The 27-year-old Frenchman was simply superb when on-loan at Crystal Palace last term, turning around the fortunes of Sam Allardyce’s side. When he played well, Palace won. It remains to be seen if Klopp will give him a chance at Liverpool, but he should, and if he doesn’t, Spurs want him, apparently. The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Dutchman Virgil van Dijk. They made a mess of an earlier approach, judged to be illegal, with the club forced to apologise and withdraw their interest. Bosses say the deal is now dead, but we don’t believe it. A £30m transfer fee has been reported, but for their money they’d be getting a proven Premier League player with Champions League experience. We rate him as this summer’s must have.

Forward – Mohamed Salah

Liverpool need investment up front. Sadio Mane did a job last season, but he can’t carry the burden of scoring goals in all competitions himself. Instead, they need one or two top-class, proven goals scorers. Is there another Michael Owen or Ian Rush out there? The club have been linked with plenty of strikers already this summer, and have captured Dominic Solanke from Chelsea, but at just 19 years old, he’s one for the future. Klopp has been chasing Mohamed Salah of Roma, but is finding the Italians difficult to do business with. A former Chelsea employee, Salah failed to impress at the bridge. Roma currently value him higher than Liverpool are willing to pay, but if they can sign their man they’ll be getting a form scorer with a point to prove in England.

Click now for more summer transfer news and views