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Daniel Agger insists he will stay loyal to Liverpool FC this summer – but has warned that significant investment in the squad is required if they are going to challenge for a Champions League spot next season.

The Danish centre-back’s future is once again the subject of speculation after a fine campaign at Anfield.

Barcelona are expected to rekindle their interest in the 28-year-old, who was the subject of a £20million offer from Manchester City last August.

Agger says he has no desire to move on and intends to honour the new contract he penned in October.

However, he admits Liverpool have fallen short of their targets this season and wants to see boss Brendan Rodgers given sufficient funds during the transfer window to ensure they can compete for the top four next term.

“I’m happy here. I still have three years left on my honour and I intend to fulfil them,” Agger said.

“There are always rumours. Who is creating them? I don’t know.

“It’s not a bad thing to be linked with big clubs but you have to take 70% off whatever you hear and then there’s the reality.

“I think we have played some really good football this season but we haven’t been consistent enough. We have to admit that.

“Seventh in the league is far from where we want to be. We need to change something.

“It’s difficult to say how much strengthening the squad needs. But we need to get some more quality in to help us move forward. What we need next season is consistency.”

Agger is confident that Liverpool’s absence from European competition won’t hamper Rodgers’ attempts to land his transfer targets this summer.

“I don’t think that will be a problem,” he said.

“Liverpool is such a big club worldwide. I think and I hope most players worldwide would want to join this club.”

Agger’s eighth season at Anfield has been his best yet. After years of being dogged by injuries, he has missed just one league match this term – the visit of Manchester City due to suspension.

However, his centre-back partnership with Jamie Carragher will come to an end later this month when the vice-captain hangs up his boots.

Agger, who joined the Reds from Brondby in 2006, admits Carragher will be sorely missed and says he owes a personal debt of gratitude to him.

“What Carra brings to the team speaks for itself,” he said.

“People see it every week and he showed again against Everton what we’re going to miss next season.

“I know him really well. If I had a hat on I would have to take it off to him.

“To be at that level for so long..... if it’s not impossible then it’s pretty close to it.

“You learn from every single player you train and play with and I’ve certainly learned from him.

“You learn the movements and how they do things. If you want to be the best then you have to learn from the best.”

Defensive reinforcements are a priority for Rodgers this summer. As well as Carragher retiring, fellow centre-backs Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates could also move on.

Skrtel has endured a frustrating second half of the campaign after losing his place to Carragher, while Coates hasn’t featured since the FA Cup defeat to Oldham in January.

Swansea City skipper Ashley Williams and Ajax’s Toby Alderweireld are the prominent names on Rodgers’ list of possible replacements.

Agger admits the departure of Carragher will leave some big boots to fill but insists Liverpool’s dressing room won’t be left short of leaders.

“I don’t think you can replace Carra as every player is different,” he said.

“It’s always been like that in football.

“When somebody steps down, someone else has to take over.

“Liverpool Football Club will always attract good talent and great footballers so I’m not worried about that.

“Will I need to take on more responsibility? I play the way I do and I’m the person I am.

“I’m already doing the things I can for the team and I won’t really change that.

"I am taking the responsibility I need to take and I don’t have a problem with that.

“I enjoy it but I think there are a few players taking a lot of responsibility."