Tuesday 1 July 2014 11:51, UK
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits he is closing in on his third signing of the summer, but would not confirm whether Adam Lallana would be following former Southampton team-mate Rickie Lambert to Anfield.
Sky Sports sources expect England midfielder Lallana to complete his move from St Mary's in the next 24 hours after the two Premier League clubs agreed a fee of around £25m.
The Reds have also agreed a deal in principle with Bayer Leverkusen to sign 20-year-old Germany U21 midfielder Emre Can, but Rodgers is hopeful Lallana can help improve the squad who finished runners-up in the top-flight last season.
Rodgers, speaking after being presented with an honorary degree by the University of Ulster, told Sky Sports News: "I think there has been a lot of work that has been done.
We've targeted players, we've signed some and we'll have more signings to come over the course of the pre-season. The idea is by the end of August we'll have the squad together and it will be a really exciting time for us next season.
"If you look at us as a club, we haven't been resting over the course of the off-season, a lot of great work has gone on.
"We've targeted players, we've signed some and we'll have more signings to come over the course of the pre-season. The idea is by the end of August we'll have the squad together and it will be a really exciting time for us next season.
"Next season will be equally as tough, we knew it would be tough, we had an incredible performance level and we'll have players who want to prove themselves and the beauty is that we as a club will improve too.
"We've a lot of young players who will have gained experience last season and we will bring in more players with added quality so we will also improve as well and that's something I'm really looking forward to seeing."
Asked if Lallana was the signing he would be bringing in next, Northern Irishman Rodgers said: "I wouldn't tell you.
"I would love to stand here and tell you... we still have signings to make to ensure we have the squad strength to cope.
"Oviously returning to the Champions League is fantastic for the club and for the supporters but we're in four competitions next season and we want to do really well and that's going to take a few more signings to bring in and as soon as we sign them you will know."
Watch Liverpool in Champions League action next season on our new channel, Sky Sports 5. Activate now.
