Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that his main criterion when searching for new players this summer is "football intelligence".
The Northern Irishman is expected to strengthen the squad that finished second in the Premier League table, two points adrift of champions Manchester City.
The ex-Swansea City boss has admitted that he wants to wrap up his signings quickly, but will only pursue the right type of player.
"Our criteria that we look for is players with strong technique and football intelligence," Rodgers told reporters. "They need to mentally have the attitude and the capacity to learn. And they have to be so hungry to fight for every ball on every day in training and in the game.
"You'll get some players who are specialists and who need to play in particular positions, but if we can get players in who are multi-functional, and can play in different roles and are multi-dimensional in their work, it sets us up and gives me more options as a coach."
The Reds, who will return to the Champions League next season for the first time since 2009, have been linked with moves for Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana and Cardiff City defender Steven Caulker.
Danielle Joynson
