Liverpool are planning a summer spending spree to add to their successful squad, according to managing director Ian Ayre.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are favourites for the Barclays Premier League title and have already guaranteed themselves a place in next season’s Champions League group stage.

That is a huge step up from not playing in Europe at all this term – making them a more attractive destination but also increasing the strain on Rodgers’ resources.

“There is no question we always expected that the squad we need for next season will be very different to the squad that we have needed for this year when we were not playing in Europe,” Ayre told national newspapers.

“It will cost what it costs when we decide who the manager wants to buy. That has always been on the cards. It is fairly obvious that we set out with an ambition to get into the Champions League.

“It has always been tougher in the transfer market when you are not competing at the highest level. We had the issue with Luis [Suarez] last summer because he wanted to play in the best games against the best players. That is always a factor.

“We have always been fortunate to be able to bring great players here despite that but there is no question it opens up a few doors for us and makes it a little bit easier.”

Liverpool are five points clear of Chelsea at the Premier League summit following Sunday’s win over Norwich – though third-placed Manchester City, a point further back, have a game in hand.

“What we achieved on Sunday was massive,” said Ayre. “This isn’t just about getting in the qualifiers. We are guaranteed Champions League football.

“It is an unbelievable achievement from where we were. It is what we set out for but if you were taking bets at the start of the season, you’d have said fourth place would be a great achievement. Now we are guaranteed third and we are determined to push on.”

According to Foxsports