The prospect of Champions League football has boosted Liverpool’s ambitions in the transfer market

Jürgen Klopp is ready to spend heavily on reinforcements this summer and believes Liverpool are better placed than in recent seasons to maintain upward momentum.

Liverpool can confirm their steady progress by sealing a top-four finish with a victory on Sunday over relegated Middlesbrough, on whom Klopp says there is “nil pressure”.

The prospect of Champions League football should bolster an ambitious recruitment drive and Klopp confirmed that funds are in place, even if competition from their rivals for players will remain an obstacle.

“Champions League for different reasons is a wonderful competition,” he said. “You can earn a lot of money there - that’s money we didn’t have last year.

“That is very interesting and is one part of it but we are already