Liverpool: James Milner is Brendan Rodgers' best summer recruit says Neil Mellor

James Milner is the highlight of Liverpool's summer transfer window business ahead of the Brazil international Roberto Firmino, according to ex-striker Neil Mellor.

Milner moved to Merseyside on a free from Manchester City, while Firmino joined the club for £29m according to BBC Sport – the second highest fee paid by the Reds behind Andy Carroll.

The duo are among six signings made by Liverpool this summer with Danny Ings, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Bogdan and Joe Gomez making Brendan Rodgers' side the most active of their Premier League rivals.

And despite the fee paid for 23-year-old Firmino, Mellor feels Milner represents Liverpool's best piece of business.

"This summer Brendan has identified that players that need to be brought in," he told Talksport. "With the imminent departure of Raheem Sterling he seems to be spending his money wisely.

"I think Milner is the one who stands out, for me, because of his quality, his versatility as well and the fact that he's still in his prime.

"There were a number of clubs in the Premier League and the Champions League that wanted to sign James Milner and yet Liverpool can still attract him despite not being in the Champions League.

"I thought that was a fantastic signing for Liverpool.

"We don't know a lot about Firmino, he's an attacking player, perhaps he's going to be exciting, but it will be interesting to see how he adapts to life."

Despite having made six separate additions Liverpool's business is not expected to stop heading into pre-season and Mellor says a new forward must be among the new arrivals.

"There is still time to strengthen," he added. "There has been lots of rumours that Liverpool will go for another centre-forward.

"Christian Benteke has been mentioned as an option and Liverpool have identified that position as vital this season.

"Liverpool didn't have an attacking presence last season. They didn't really produce the good that were expected of them."