Stars in rush to join Klopp, says Gerrard

STEVEN GERRARD says Liverpool have never been better placed to land their prime transfer targets, insisting that Jurgen Klopp’s magnetism will give them a crucial edge. Liverpool are prepared to spend more heavily than at any point in the seven years since Fenway Sports Group took over. There is over £100million in the kitty to ensure they do not waste the opportunity that Champions League football could bring. Southampton centre back Virgil van Dijk is a major target — and one Liverpool would have found difficult to land had they missed out on the top four. Gerrard, set to start as the club’s Under 18 head coach, believes manager Klopp can be the difference when attracting players of Van Dijk’s calibre. When Liverpool last finished in the top four in 2013-14, they failed to sign marquee players they wanted but Gerrard, who played 45 minutes for Klopp in a friendly against Sydney FC on Wednesday, is sure old mistakes will not be repeated. ‘It was strange,’ said Gerrard. ‘If Jurgen Klopp had been at the club three or four years ago I believe I would have been part of him delivering big trophies. ‘It’s how he makes you feel. I went to play in a friendly and felt like it was the World Cup final. We’re blessed to have him.’ Liverpool have struggled to lure players in the past — notably in 2014 when they tried and failed to sign Alexis Sanchez and Toni Kroos — but Gerrard said: ‘If I’m a top player and I get offered the chance to play for this club — and a world-class manager — I’d jump at it.’ LIVERPOOL’S third-choice goalkeeper Alex Manninger, 39, will retire when his contract expires next month. The club have rejected Celtic’s bid to take winger Harry Wilson on loan.