Liverpool 'Absolutely' Need to Spend Big this Summer, says Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers has said Liverpool will have a busy summer in the transfer market as they look to finally end their Premier League title drought next season.

The Reds were favourites to win the league going into the final stages of the season, but slip-ups against Chelsea and Manchester City cost them the trophy at the death.

However the club have earned a Champions League spot next season, and Rodgers, speaking after the victory over Newcastle at Anfield yesterday, said his transfer business will reflect this.

Asked if Liverpool will be augmenting their squad, Rodgers replied "absolutely. We definitely need to do that."

The Ulsterman went on to describe Liverpool's squad as "really thin" and said that, while he has delighted in the progress of the battery of youngsters emerging from the ranks, he needs players physically capable of coping with a more congested season.

Liverpool ended their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle, but it was not enough to overhaul Manchester City, who took the trophy with a 2-0 win over West Ham.

Unlike City, Liverpool have largely refrained from making big-name signings since the winter of 2011, when they signed Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez for a combined £57m. However, it appears the club's relatively frugal stance is about to change.