Milner slams Champions League chasers

Liverpool qualified for next season's Champions League on Sunday by beating Middlesbrough on the final day of the Premier League season. The club is expected to spend big on squad improvements over the summer, but captain James Milner has a warning for potential new recruits. 

Although qualifying for the Champions League is an important step for Liverpool, manager Jurgen Klopp now has to create a team that is capable of challenging in both domestic and European competitions. 

Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk is a big target, which if successful could take up a big chunk of the rumoured £100 million transfer budget. Other names linked with the club include Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Roma's Mohamed Salah and RB Leipzig's Naby Keita. 

Klopp is also keen to add a new striker, but the club may have to identify a hidden gem, with the likes of much coveted young striker Kylian Mbappe expected to cost over £100 million himself. 

The Telegraph today reports however that captain James Milner has warned new arrivals not to disrespect the club, by just signing for Champions League football. 

“It’s disrespectful to the club if you say the only reason you are going to Liverpool is for Champions League,” said Milner. Qualifying for Europe's elite competition will of course attract the highest quality players, but Milner is keen to see new players respect the fans and heritage of the club, whilst also proving that they are good enough to play in the Champions League.