Following their whirlwind 2013-14 season, Liverpool are widely expected to strengthen their squad this summer ahead of next term.

The absence of European football over the last 12 months played its part in the Anfield side’s excellent domestic campaign, but Champions League football will return to Merseyside in 2014-15.

With the increase in the number of games, Brendan Rodgers will need more comprehensive back-up options all over the pitch.

In attack, Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge have been in exceptional form, but the Reds are relatively short of alternative options.

Iago Aspas arrived at the club with a solid reputation but has found it very tough to adjust to life in England. Even though the Spaniard has only been at Liverpool for less than a year, there is every chance that he could return to his homeland in the summer.

Victor Moses had a promising start to his loan spell at the club but his form dropped off after the new year.

With potentially both Aspas and Moses leaving Anfield this summer, the importance of Fabio Borini next season for the Reds should not be understated.

Similar to Aspas, the Italian had a tough first year at the Merseyside club, with injuries and a clear lack of confidence playing their part in an underwhelming introduction.

However, a loan spell at Sunderland seems to have reinvigorated the former Roma attacker, who scored essential goals in keeping Gus Poyet’s men in the top flight of English football.

Borini was afforded a consistent run of games in the Premier League and his effort and will to win was there for all to see.

The passion and dedicated he showcased for the Wearside club was a breath of fresh air for a club fighting relegation and these traits will be of real interest to the Kop next term.

Not only did Borini’s work-rate and attitude impress, the Italian also displayed considerable technical ability during his time in the North East.

The 23-year-old took his chances to score with aplomb in the second half of the campaign, while his link-up play with fellow resurgent forward Connor Wickham made for great viewing.

Although ousting either Sturridge or Suárez from the Liverpool starting XI will be quite the task for Borini, with extra games on the fixture list next term there will surely be more opportunities for him to play than during his first stint at the club.

Borini was also deployed in wide areas on occasion by Sunderland and this versatility to play in a number of different positions will also add to the Italy international’s appeal.

Although Liverpool will still be keeping tabs on a number of potential attacking reinforcements in the transfer market, Borini’s return suggests that the club should prioritise other areas.

A new left-back seems like a must if the Reds are to build on a successful campaign, while a centre-half of stature to add to Rodgers’ options may be something of merit.

If Borini can stay injury free and have a good pre-season, the Italian could well follow in the footsteps of someone like Jordan Henderson and go from a failed signing to an important part of Rodgers’ plans.