Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has claimed that qualification for the Champions League should not be a deciding factor for any player considering joining the club.
The Reds have the chance to book their place in next season's competition this weekend when they host relegated Middlesbrough at Anfield on the final day of the campaign.
Victory in that match will guarantee a top-four finish, but despite the obvious benefits of being in the Champions League, Klopp believes that it is only "the icing on the cake" for any potential targets.
"The Champions League, for different reasons, is a wonderful competition. You can earn a lot of money there, that's money we didn't have last year - but we are already in a good position. We are a club without financial problems and we have money to spend but it makes sense to think before we spend and that is what we are doing. The Champions League would be the icing on the cake but that's it," he told reporters.
"It should not sound negative but if Champions League is the only reason why a player is coming it makes no sense for him or for us because one year of not qualifying and the player decides (he) wants another Champions League club. It is important for players because that is what they want to play but the progress and development and positive perspective of a club is important for players and we are powerful in a lot of parts of the game.
"We will be successful in the future but for this we need the players, of course. We have very good players and we need a few more. Even from outside Liverpool always looked a massive club. Chelsea has the money, Man City is now coming up - wonderful players, big signings - Man United is Man United, but we are a really interesting project. Everyone can see from outside. The mood is different, a few people are different, but the base is there.
"It is still the power and size of this club and then the perspective and that has changed, we feel it in the talks (with players). They have to see it, they have to feel it and they have to make a decision. We've made a decision before we go into the talks, of course, because that is always how it is because you commit 100%. Plan A player says 'Aaah, sounds all good but..', plan B you are not sure and plan C you have to decide when A and B are not there. That is really difficult but the players are really positive this year compared to last year because they have seen our way, our football and that is good."
Liverpool have only qualified for the Champions League in one of the past seven seasons.
Barney Corkhill
