Liverpool need major overhaul in summer transfer window says Steve McManaman

Liverpool need a major overhaul this summer which will require Brendan Rodgers to sign upwards of three new players, according to former winger Steve McManaman.

Failure to qualify for the Champions League came amid frenzied speculation surrounding Raheem Sterling's future, with the 20-year-old having told the Reds he wants to leave.

James Milner and Danny Ings have joined Liverpool following the end of their contracts at Manchester City and Burnley but McManaman feel further resources are needed across the squad.

"Everywhere," McManaman said. "In central defence, where he had problems, in the centre of midfield where arguably one of the greatest footballers in Liverpool's history is leaving and in the centreforward area because they were lacking there.

"It's not even three players, they need to bring in more [this summer]."

While Milner has joined on a free after being released by City, the fee for Ings will decided via a tribunal which could see Liverpool pay out a record fee awarded by the body of up of £6.5m, which Chelsea paid Manchester City for Daniel Sturridge in 2010.

The cut-price additions are the start of what is set to be a busy summer for Liverpool but despite his scathing assessment of the current squad McManaman is optimistic over the new additions.

"He [Milner] is a really good player and he can play in a number of positions," said the former winger. "He will bring that diversity in the team, drive them forward and he's a winner.

"He will certainly help the younger players and he'll have a great role to play with them.

"Danny Ings, like a lot of players Liverpool bought last year, has played in the Premier League but, unfortunately, the team he played for got relegated.

"He had a relatively good year, he looks like a really talented player but it's one of those signings where it's a big step up for him.

"He needs to prove himself. A couple of players who came in last year didn't do that so it's hard, but he's young, he's hungry and he's English so let's see."