Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted his side will mount a challenge for domestic cups next season now that he has strengthened his squad.

The Reds boss, who has already signed Kolo Toure from Manchester City and is closing in on Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas, blamed last season's cup failures on having a "paper-thin" squad.

"This time, we'll certainly give the Carling Cup and the FA Cup a proper go - we have a much better squad to do that," The Mirror quotes him as saying.

"We had a paper-thin squad last year, we had kids all the way through. Obviously those players who have come in have added quality and it's no coincidence that we have kicked on when we've had quality in the group.

"We need to improve the group and the depth but that's what gives me great hope for the summer. If we can add that, we can make a real start and then we're ready to challenge."

Rodgers previously revealed plans to add between three and five new faces to his squad over the summer.