RED & BURIED

Van Dijk fears Liverpool's dreadful Champions Leaque exit will make it tough to land top targets - like whiz kid Bellingham - this summer

- CHRIS MCKENNA

VIRGIL VAN DIJK fears Liverpool could struggle to land their top transfer targets this summer if they do not finish in the top four.

The defender insists he and his Reds team-mates must aid their chase for fresh recruits by making sure they have Champions League football on offer next term.

With returning to Europe's top table all that is left to play for this season, Van Dijk did not hold back.

when conceding that Jurgen Klopp's squad needs improving at the end of what will be a trophyless campaign.

The Holland star believes departing players - such as Roberto Firmino will need replacing, with boss Klopp having been open about the need for fresh blood.

That was evident over two legs against Real Madrid in which the Reds were easily dismissed from the Champions League 6-2 on aggregate.