Liverpool

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Liverpool's 'ghost goal' against Chelsea in the Champions League 20 years ago "sparked the rivalry between the two clubs", says former Blues defender Robert Huth.

It was a memorable moment - for better or for worse - for both sets of fans and two-decades on it is still argued if Luis Garcia's goal, that sent the Reds through to the final at Chelsea's expense, crossed the line.

It proved to be a key moment on the way to Liverpool's comeback win over AC Milan in Istanbul.

Part of the squad for that game, Huth explained to BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club how Blues boss Jose Mourinho reacted to that moment, stating: "He was fuming, off course he would be.

"When the goal went in, nobody really knew what was going on because it wasn't obvious to anyone. It didn't even look that close particularly.

"The lads were deflated, he was fuming, but what can you do? The game is done."

Mourinho created a number of rivalries during his time at Chelsea, but the one between him and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez came to be particularly fierce.

Asked whether it was that game that kick-started it, Huth said: "They both gave as good as they got. They both had a lot to say for each other. But, that game definitely sparked the rivalry between the two clubs.

"This time Liverpool got the better of us, but then we beat them in the next quarter-final a year or two later.

"It is water under the bridge now but it was frustrating. I think The Kop shouted the ball in rather than the ball actually crossing the line."

Ian Dennis
Commentator/Senior Football Reporter at BBC Radio 5 Live

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I have to say, Anfield was very, very special.

The last time they won the title in front of supporters was 12,783 days ago.

The atmosphere was very, very special. Being at Anfield was probably up there with other memorable games, such as Dortmund in 2016 and Barcelona in 2019.

I felt privileged to be there with all of the supporters.

I deliberately didn't talk over You'll Never Walk Alone before the game. I said to the engineer: "We're not going to talk here - we'll let the atmosphere speak for itself."

There are certain occasions when the magnitude of the game speaks for itself and you make that decision.

Listen to more from Ian on The Commentators' View podcast on BBC Sounds

Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist

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Liverpool's title win has come with four games to spare and, along with the club's celebrations, Reds boss Arne Slot believes it will give him plenty of benefits on the playing front, and also when it comes to transfers.

Speaking to the media before Sunday's game at Chelsea, Slot said he plans to rotate his squad and give chances to some fringe players, with Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace to come after the trip to Stamford Bridge.

"This is a moment to see where they are, also looking towards next season maybe a bit already," said the Dutchman. "But, definitely also because they deserve to play this season."

Attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott and winger Federico Chiesa are two of the players who will be hoping to more playing time.

Slot added: "I don't think these players have to prove the quality players they are, but I think they want to prove for themselves that they are good enough to play for us.

"I already know that they are and, probably, they themselves know this as well. I don't think they have a point to prove, but I do think they would like to play."

Slot did not provide any update on the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who can leave on a free when his contract runs out in the summer, but the Reds boss did speak about how the club's title win and celebrations will help on the transfer front.

"The main advantage of winning the league is that, until now if I spoke to new players that we wanted to bring in, I always told them that our fans are really special, that it's special to play at this club," he said.

"That was maybe not even necessary to tell them in the past but, after Sunday, I don't think I ever have to tell anyone again how special our fans are because that was unbelievable.

"Winning the league and having these fans is a big attraction to every player we want to bring in. It is definitely helpful."

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Liverpool fan and podcaster Lukleiva believes reported target Milos Kerkez will not settle for limited game time if he was to join Liverpool.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the Bournemouth left back, who has featured in all 34 Premier League games for the Cherries so far this season.

Liverpool currently have Andy Robertson at left-back, who has played in 31 of the 34 league games.

Speaking on the potential situation, Lukleiva told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Kerkez wouldn't come in and only play half the games, so that means Liverpool have to look at a different target if that's the plan. That could be Jorrel Hato from Ajax - he was at a few of the games recently.

"But you definitely want Kerkez. He's one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season. He's really young, he's played under Arne Slot at AZ Alkmaar, but he won't share minutes with Andy Robertson.

"Kerkez would start 80% of games and Robertson would play Carabao Cup and the likes of Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.

"Whether that is something Robertson is willing to side with or whether he'd then want to move on, that's something they need to talk about."

You can listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea (kick-off 16:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Slot described the title celebrations last Sunday as "amazing" and added: "Maybe, for all of the fans it was the best day of their lives and it was the same for me."

• He said "seeing how much it meant to the players and the fans was really special to be part of" and that he has been inundated with congratulations messages.

• He confirmed Jurgen Klopp was one of those, with the former Reds boss saying to Slot: "Now you know how special of a club it is. You are part of history."

• On whether he now feels his connection with the fans is stronger: "If that was still possible? From the first day I got here, I've felt they've supported me and the team. If you win something together it always goes up a notch. It is a game of football but if you win a trophy together it lifts it to a new dimension."

• After winning the title with four games to spare, he said he will "mix up" the starting line-ups for the remaining fixtures and "there will be a few players coming in for rotation".

• On his reasoning for this: "Some of them have deserved to play earlier this season because they have trained so well and are good enough to play for this club. It is a moment to see where they are and perhaps [I'm] looking forward to next season already."

• Right-back Conor Bradley will train today and Slot expects him to be involved in the squad on Sunday.

• On opponents Chelsea: "I am surprised by the gap we have with them at the moment because back then [earlier in season] they were the better team on the pitch. But we found a way to win. We had to suffer more in that game than in any other."

• He said winning the title and the "incredible" fan celebrations will be a "big attraction to every player that we want to bring in" during the summer transfer window.

• On Harvey Elliott's comments that he wants to fight for his place at the club: "It's nice that the players here want to stay. That is a big compliment. He is one player who hasn't had as much playing time as he maybe deserves. He was also injured. We like, and I like, him more now than I did when he first came back form his injury. He is back to his old level again."

Listen to live commentary of Chelsea vs Liverpool on BBC Radio 5 Live from 16:30 on Sunday

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Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist

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It was party time at Liverpool after they secured this season's league title with a win against Tottenham at Anfield last Sunday.

The players and staff revelled in equalling the title tally of arch rivals Manchester United on 20 before putting the celebrations on hold to return to training and prepare for a return to action at Chelsea on Sunday.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be chatting to the media at 09:00 BST today so we'll probably find out about how he's been enjoying winning the Premier League in his first season in charge.

It'll be interesting to hear from the Dutchman and find out what he wants to get from his side's final four games of the season.

Will some of the fringe players, Federico Chiesa in particular, get more of a run out to prove their worth?

Chiesa was Liverpool's only signing for this season but has hardly been used by Slot and it would be interesting to see what he can do if given more game time.

Also, more focus will now shift to the future of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract in the summer, so we'll find out what Slot has to say about that as well.

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Former Manchester City and Tottenham defender Kyle Walker believes Virgil van Dijk's ability to defend without making tackles is rare in the modern game.

Discussing Van Dijk on The Kyle Walker podcast, the famous Paolo Maldini line sprang to mind: "If you have to make a tackle, then you've already made a mistake."

Walker said: "I think that's a fair quote. You can understand that statement that he's made and I think, who am I to question Maldini's footballing brain? Because of what he did in football, he is probably one of the greats.

"I understand that he's probably saying that you're probably not in the correct position. If you're making a tackle, you're probably out of position slightly for you to be lunging in or sliding in. I definitely can understand his quote."

When asked if there are many modern defenders that have that ability, Walker immediately pointed to Van Dijk.

"Very rarely do you see him tackle," Walker said. "He backs his speed, he backs his strength and he backs his knowledge of the game. You don't see him flying into challenges. He slows people down, waits for cover to come in, and it's good defending.

"Defending is not just about tackling and smashing people. Sometimes, you have to use your head and I think, especially in the modern day, you hit your peak as a defender at 30 or 31. You're still learning your trade up until then."

Listen to the full podcast

The Monday Night Club panel have been discussing whether Liverpool will be the most attractive Premier League destination this summer, after Arne Slot came in and scooped up a Premier League title in his first season at Anfield.

Former England captain Steph Houghton says the club will need to think about their current "culture" before splashing the cash.

"As a footballer you want security and stability - and at this moment in time, out of the top five or top six clubs, Liverpool provide that," she said.

"But next year will be a tough season for Liverpool because once you're at the top, it is so much harder to stay there than trying to climb your way up there.

"At Chelsea, it has been a bit of a car crash at times, when they have been making decisions and buying all of these players, but buying loads of players doesn't necessarily bring success.

"It is obvious that Arne Slot is going to go and buy players, but then it is about how he moulds that culture again."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

English attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22, has struggled for first-team football at Liverpool this season but wants to stay and fight for his place at the club. (Liverpool Echo, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Ian Kennedy
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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It has all been said about Liverpool's title win. The plaudits heading the way of Arne Slot and his players are thoroughly deserved. But important days still lie ahead, starting at Chelsea on Sunday.

Every team Liverpool play between now and the end of the season will want to prove themselves against the champions. Mind you, that is something the Reds deal with every week, so no change there.

Then it will be a case of summer recruitment plans.

The future of Trent Alexander-Arnold is still to be sorted out, but where do Liverpool need to strengthen? How many players will they look to bring in, and who might leave?

These are the questions Slot and his backroom team will have been pondering and it will be a big summer either way as the club will want to build on this success and make it a regular occurrence. Building from a position of strength, as they say.

But they will not buy for buying's sake. This squad won the title comfortably let's not forget. There are great players on the bench every week, so maybe we can expect only minimal changes.

Anyway, that's for another day. One game at a time - and four still to play!

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Liverpool match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

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We asked if you think Liverpool need to sign any midfielders this summer to support the main core already in the squad.

Here are some of your comments:

Ken: The most important Liverpool player in shadow is Mac Allister. His mileage, passing, pressing and scoring is more than any other player in attacking midfield or attack did - period. Liverpool desperately need somebody like Kevin de Bruyne. Go and get him.

LFCdenmark: I think they should buy Ritsu Doan from Freiburg. Excellent attacking midfielder - and for sure he'll be cheaper than Florian Wirtz.

Dave: I honestly believe Adam Wharton would be a great fit for Liverpool. A very talented footballer, naturally fit and strong.

John: Why sign midfielders when there's enough in the squad?

Jay: I still think we need a genuine, natural number six. Gravenberch has been amazing but he was dropping off the past six or seven games, as were a few others - and we didn't have quite have enough in the tank against PSG, when Vitinha ran the show. The other lads we have, including Jones, are far better going forwards when we are in possession than sitting or chasing all game.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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It was a red-letter day at Anfield and a red everything else for that matter. I may well have been an uninvited guest to this particular party, but it is worth having an outsider's eyes on these occasions. So even if I favour the blue side of the city, I was still massively impressed by the team, the day and the performance - and then the spectacle that ensued.

If you win a title, you hope everything goes well on the day to make it more special. So the sun shone, the team played superbly, five goals were dispatched, and there was time to soak up the 'moment' for a good half hour after Mo Salah scored the fourth.‌

The fans could then soak up the glory for another hour, serenading the players post-match, as they all wallowed in a celebration they had waited 35 years for inside that stadium.‌

Talking of moments, even though Alexis Mac Allister's rocket sending his team 2-1 ahead was memorable, it was eclipsed when Arne Slot took to the microphone in the centre circle and sang the name of his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, in an echo of Klopp's selfless paean to him before he arrived.

It was as classy and selfless a moment as I have witnessed by any football manager.

The passing of control from one coach to another is often a small-minded affair, the new one desperate to grab any glory he can from the former.

This usually means dismantling much of the previous guy's good work, however successful he was.

Not here, both men are above that and this is why the dynasty has not only a chance of surviving, but is likely to blossom.

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Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock had high praise for captain Virgil van Dijk on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"He is key [to Arne Slot's side]," said Warnock. "What a leader he has been.

"He is calm and relaxed and the way he has handled himself this year is magnificent."

But it is not only the Dutchman's defensive and people management capabilities that have caught Warnock's attention.

"It's the way he starts attacks," he added. "His passing range is phenomenal and it is so relaxed when he does it."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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Liverpool fan and podcaster Peter Bolster, speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside on the importance of Mohamed Salah:

"He's a wonderful footballer. This season he has been incredible. He has been different. He was a playmaker and that is one of the differences Arne Slot has brought in.

"He loves being great. He loved it under Jurgen Klopp but, for him, it doesn't matter who the manager is. A lot of managers get the credit but Salah doesn't let that happen. He says 'I'm Mo Salah and I'm great no matter who is in charge'.

On Virgil van Dijk, Bolster added: "People were wondering if he would ever be the same after his injury but he's shown how incredible he is.

"Slot has come into a dressing room full of winners. These players have mental steel and they want to influence each and every game. Virgil doesn't want to come off, he doesn't want to be rested - he's not that kind of guy."

Listen to the full clip on BBC Sounds

Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in signing 25-year-old Italy right-back Andrea Cambiaso, who appears set to leave Juventus this summer. (Calciomercato), external

Meanwhile, the Reds want Bournemouth defensive duo Dean Huijsen, 20, and Milos Kerkez, 21, plus Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, 22, to bolster their squad and help defend their Premier League title. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist

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After winning his maiden Premier League title last weekend, Liverpool's Conor Bradley hopes his former club Dungannon Swifts can secure a memorable first of their own on Saturday.

The Stangmore Park outfit have never won the Irish Cup and will meet Cliftonville in the showpiece decider at Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon (14.30 BST).

The 21-year-old played age-group football for Dungannon United Youth and latterly Dungannon Swifts, and will be supporting Rodney McAree's side from afar this weekend.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Bradley, who missed Liverpool clinching the title against Tottenham on Sunday through injury, told BBC Sport NI.

"I think they've done really well this year, obviously getting to the final."

Bradley had already caught the attention of Liverpool when playing with Dungannon, limiting his appearances for the club. Still, however, he enjoyed the experience.

"It was a good time when I was there," he added.

"I was there for 18 months or two years and I've really fond memories, I met some really good people when I was there.

"I loved my time at Dungannon. Hopefully they can get the job done in the final and bring a trophy back to Dungannon."

As they prepare for what could be the biggest day in the club's history, the Swifts' focus on youth is again in the spotlight.

Joe McAree, a former manager at Stangmore Park and father of current boss Rodney McAree, can still remember the first time he saw Bradley in action for his hometown club St Patrick's.

"I went to see him one night in Omagh and he was playing in a final two years up for St Patrick's," he recalled.

"It was obvious he was a great, talented player.

"I'd been told about him three years before, but there was no way I was going to be asking an eight-year-old to run up the road from Castlederg to Dungannon to play football."

'I still believe he's a Steven Gerrard'

Making his pitch to Bradley's parents after that game, the youngster did not immediately choose Dungannon.

"Conor wasn't sure, it was a long distance and he was closer to Maiden City," Joe McAree said.

"A couple of days later, the mum rang to say 'Conor feels he's better going to Maiden City but thank you very much' and everything else.

"To be honest, I could have cried on the phone, I very nearly did."

Within six months, Bradley had come to Dungannon and his successes at Liverpool have come as no surprise to those still at the club.

Joe McAree, however, believes there could be even more to come.

"I still believe he's a Steven Gerrard," he added.

"The first manager brave enough to put him into a Steven Gerrard role rather than right wing-back or right-back will have an even better player."

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on social media: "This is what we wanted to deliver to our fans more than anything. This is a club that should always compete for everything and be right at the top. No excuses. All teams win games but in the end there's only one champion. That's what history remembers and this applies to next season as well."

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We asked you whether or not Arne Slot needs to bring in reinforcements this summer, after former Liverpool forward John Barnes said the Dutchman doesn't need to bolster his Premier League winning side too much.

Here are some of your replies:

Pat: Liverpool definitely need to do some business this summer, but it needs to be sensible. We need a centre-forward who can score goals and stay fit (sorry Jota) and a new left-back. The most important thing though is to give games to the talented young players at the club already. The likes of Elliott and Bradley need to be playing football every week, not moving further down the pecking order to accommodate new signings.

Paul: I love John Barnes as a player, but I have never been on the same page with him regarding his thinking. We don't need major team surgery but we should recruit now for the future, if the right players are available. I have no doubt Liverpool will do this for next season. Superstars? No. What will turn out to be super players? Yes.

Andy: I love big John Barnes but he is wrong on this one. You always strengthen from a position of power. We didn't do so adequately after 2019-20 and it set us back half a decade. New signings are must if we are to kick on.

Jason: He is exactly right. We can buy one or two players, but we don't need to break the bank. We can leave that for the others to try and catch up.

Liam: I agree with Barnes. They have just won the biggest league on the planet with weeks still left remaining. I think they will be alright next season...

Ken: I love John Barnes but I couldn't disagree more with him on this. Liverpool must not squander the opportunity to strengthen while at the top. It was apparent that the squad required a little bit more depth when exiting the Champions League and losing in the League Cup final. It won't be too long before the cornerstones of the last two title wins will need replacing so it's better starting now. Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen, Ederson (of Atalanta) and Nico Williams would represent a statement of intent.

Mark: New blood in the team creates competition for the other players. If Slot rests on his laurels the established players could become complacent. Hopefully they can get Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth and Dean Huijsen – he's a fantastic talent who reminds me of Alan Hansen. He could also play the holding mid-field role so Gravenberch gets a rest. Alexander Isak would be a great addition to any team but I feel he's being priced out of a move. Need to keep the fire in the belly - Sir Alex Ferguson always refreshed a title winning team.

Anthony: If it's not broken don't fix it. Liverpool already have the players to challenge for major honours next season.

Yusuf: Curtis Jones is the perfect person who can step up - his technical ability is excellent and he has been on the bench in a lot of games this season. Give Jones some more time on the pitch and it will help both him and Gravenberch to develop.

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

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In the absence of Rodri through injury this season, Alexis Mac Allister just might be.

The Argentine was jaw-droppingly good against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday, as Liverpool won the title.

Mac Allister played the whole game with a smile on his face. He passed smartly, pressed relentlessly and bullied Spurs, while showing creativity on the ball.

His goal that put Liverpool 2-1 up was the game's most important and best. How could you hit a ball that hard with your wrong foot? It was sensational.

Ryan Gravenberch was Liverpool's best midfielder at the start of the season, but basing it on the whole campaign it has to be Mac Allister. He is not quite as important to the team as Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, but he is pretty close.

In the summer, Liverpool need to sign another midfielder to support Gravenberch as the holding player.

Then, Curtis Jones, Mac Allister and Dom Szoboszlai can share the two positions ahead.

It will be interesting to see what Arne Slot does with Harvey Elliott. The Englishman loves Liverpool and would prefer to stay and win the manager over. but he has not started a Premier League game all season.

Do you agree that the Reds need to sign another midfielder this summer? Who would you be targeting and why? Or is there a player already at the club who can step up? Let us know here

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

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Former Liverpool forward John Barnes does not believe there is a need for Arne Slot to bolster his Premier League winners with new signings this summer.

The Reds secured a record-equalling 20th top-flight title on Sunday with a squad that contained just one summer signing.

That was Federico Chiesa, who has played a total of 33 minutes in the league this season.

"I'm not worried about the summer," said Barnes. "I'm a bit old school in thinking the solution to problems is not just signing players.

"We have won the league comfortably so why do we need to sign players? We have kept the two most important players Virgil (Van Dijk) and Mo (Salah). If we lose Trent (Alexander-Arnold) we've got Conor Bradley, that's fine."

When Jurgen Klopp ended the club's 30-year wait for a title in 2020 he bought Diogo Jota, Kostas Tsimikas and Thiago Alcantara for a combined £73m, but Barnes believes this team can still challenge next season without breaking the bank.

"Other people will catch us but I'd love to stand still because if we do we're still at the top," added Barnes.

"We don't need superstars, we have world-class players all over the pitch as we've shown."

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty disagrees and believes Liverpool will "need new blood" this summer, especially in the full-back positions.

Do you think Slot should be looking to bring in reinforcements? If so, who and why?

Have your say

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Liverpool's Premier League title win has come sooner than anyone expected but now they need "reinforcements" to "keep moving forward", says former midfielder Danny Murphy.

The Reds confirmed their new status as 2024-25 Premier League champions on Sunday and brought boss Arne Slot the title in his first season in charge.

With the stranglehold Manchester City have had on the trophy over recent seasons and Jurgen Klopp's exit, most onlookers did not have Liverpool to be top of the pile this campaign.

"What's happened by winning the league in the first season is he's brought everything forward," Murphy told BBC Sport.

"Liverpool fans always expect to be challenging for the title and the Champions League but this win has brought it all forward much more quickly than anyone anticipated, probably even [Slot] himself.

"Yes, they need reinforcements, they need to keep moving forward, because everyone else is going to try. Especially Arsenal - I think they'll go big in the summer."

Since Slot's arrival in the summer, Liverpool have made just two signings - winger Federico Chiesa and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

With Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk now staying, fans will be hoping the ownership invest over the summer to build on the squad's achievements this campaign.

"I think a centre-half is going to be key and probably a full-back," Murphy said. "If you think of centre-half this season, Virgil [Van Dijk] and [Ibrahima] Konate have been a phenomenal partnership but both very rarely injured.

"The other area of the pitch that's going to be really important is a centre-forward. Although I've complimented [Luis] Diaz and [Diogo] Jota for filling in there at times, I think it looks like Darwin [Nunez] is going to go, so who do they bring in?

"That's going to be the area that I think most fans are excited about seeing who they're going to bring in.

"We talk about crucial positions on the pitch – the spine if you like – centre-back and centre forward are the ones I would really like to see two established players to come in."