Jurgen Klopp optimistic about Liverpool's future as he draws up five-man summer transfer shortlist

Klopp has identified a number of targets this summer with Southampton's Virgil van Dijk and RB Leipzig duo Naby Keita and Timo Werner top of his list

Jurgen Klopp is positive about the future at Liverpool (Getty)

Jurgen Klopp is optimistic about Liverpool's future as he draws up a five-man shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Reds outlasted Arsenal to secure a place in the top four and with it the bumper windfall that comes with qualification for the Champions League play-offs.

Klopp is expected to be busy as he looks to bolster a squad that didn't have the burden of European football last term.

And the German is positive about what the future holds for his young group.

He told the club's official website: "I'm really optimistic for our future, not because I'm crazy but only because I know what we have, I know what we will get, I know what we can get, and I know that we really have a super bunch of people - knowledge, character - not just the players, all around."

Klopp has identified a number of targets this summer with Southampton's Virgil van Dijk and RB Leipzig duo Naby Keita and Timo Werner top of his list.

Left-back is also an area of need with Hull's Andrew Robertson being considered while Fulham youngster Ryan Sessegnon was an option but is understood to favour a move elsewhere with Manchester United and Tottenham keen.

Liverpool have already begun their summer recruitment securing the signature of Dominic Solanke whose contract is set to run out at Chelsea and Klopp knows that there is room for improvement in his squad.

"I know that we are good already but we have so much space to improve - I love it," he added. "Being really good and feeling there's not a lot more possible, that's still OK but you think how can you keep this? We can really improve. That's what I'm really looking forward to.

"We have to, obviously, because around us we have a lot but we will really be a challenger, we will fight. We will play good football on the good days, on the less good days we will still fight for the result. I really feel positive."