Liverpool: Simon Kjaer claims he rejected Anfield move due to trophy ambitions

New Fenerbahce recruit Simon Kjaer has confirmed that he rejected a potential transfer to Liverpool due to a desire to win regular trophies.

The former Palermo, Roma and Wolfsburg central defender was widely expected to depart Lille this summer following the club's disappointing eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 under Rene Girard.

Brendan Rodgers' side have been criticised for a perceived lack of defensive strength despite Dejan Lovren's £20m switch from Southampton last summer. These complaints came to a head following a dismal 6-1 defeat to Stoke on the final day of the season.

In May Kjaer fuelled rumours that he could move to Anfield, revealing that his whole family were supporters of the club.

He stopped short of declaring a personal desire to come to the Premier League however, and eventually opted for Fenerbahce in a deal worth approximately €7.65m (£5.4m).

"Liverpool wanted me, but I want championships, I want to win trophies," the Dane, who has signed a four-year contract at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, told Turkish publication Haber Turk as reported by the London Evening Standard.

"Fenerbahce's goals this season are big, and were explained to me very well."

Rodgers is under significant pressure to invest wisely in his squad during the upcoming transfer window.

Despite narrowly missing out on the title in 2013/14, Liverpool failed to retain their place in the top four last term and many supporters are disgruntled at a distinct lack of impact from a number of recent costly signings.

James Milner and Danny Ings have already agreed to join following the end of their respective contracts at Manchester City and Burnley, while Southampton's recently completed deal for Sporting right-back Cedric Soares could hint that Nathaniel Clyne is edging closer to a move of his own.

Liverpool have retained the services of Andre Wisdom and veteran centre-back Kolo Toure on new deals and Rodgers was further boosted yesterday (18 June) with reports suggesting that Martin Skrtel has resolved his differences with the club and agreed to extend his stay for a further three years, despite strong interest from the likes of Inter Milan.