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Brendan Rodgers says he’s only interested in bringing “winners” to Anfield this summer as the Liverpool FC boss targets players with character as well as talent.

Having lost the services of retiring vice-captain Jamie Carragher, the Reds boss is wary of the need to ensure he has enough leaders in the dressing room.

The ECHO revealed earlier this week that Liverpool are ready to launch a £12million bid for Schalke centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

They are also hoping to further boost their defensive options by completing deals for Manchester City’s Kolo Toure and Sporting Lisbon’s Tiago Ilori.

The transfer window doesn’t formally open until July 1 but Rodgers is keen to ensure Liverpool get their business done early.

“That’s the ideal scenario,” he said. “It’s always based on availability but hopefully we can achieve that.

“A lot of great learning has taken place throughout the year both on and off the field. Now we want to build on the positive impact of the second half of the season.

“It’s our job as a club to look to bring in the types of players who will allow us to kick on again.

“There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes in order to reinforce the group.

“In order to breed the consistency needed to give us success, we need to bring in winners – those with the winning mentality.

“Everyone has to play a part in leadership.

“You get different types of leadership – some are purely by action and inspiration, others by organisation and more verbal.

“Taking on that responsibility is something that has to come from within the group here, but we’re also looking to bring in that type of player.”