LIVERPOOL are plotting a recruitment drive, spearheaded by the £30m capture of Christian Benteke, that they hope will enable them to make up ground at the top of the Premier League — and help persuade Raheem Sterling to sign a new contract.

James Milner, Danny Ings and Fiorentina’s Brazilian goalkeeper, Neto, are other primary targets as Brendan Rodgers seeks proven talent to enhance his squad. Rodgers’ priority is signing a striker. Liverpool have scored 50 fewer goals than they did when challenging for the title last season and lack of firepower, after the departure of Luis Suarez, is largely responsible for his side dropping out of the top four.

With Daniel Sturridge not expected to return from hip surgery until October, and Mario Balotelli and