"The noises I'm hearing.." - Virgil van Dijk reveals "exciting" news he's heard about Liverpool's summer plans

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool will still be able to sign top players this summer even if the club fails to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa in their final home game of the season on Saturday to leave their top-four hopes hanging by a thread.

The Merseyside club are fifth in the table, three points behind Newcastle United and Manchester United – who have both played one game less.

Newcastle face Leicester on Monday night, while United take on Chelsea on Thursday, in their respective games in hand.

If both sides avoid defeat, Liverpool's top-four hopes will be over before the final round of games.

Van Dijk: I'm excited for pre-season

Although the Europa League is now looking most likely for six-time European champions Liverpool, Van Dijk believes the club would still be able to attract some of the world's best players.

"If I'm a player on the rise and I have options to go to the next step and Liverpool is knocking on my door, then I would be very, very interested," Van Dijk said.

"I don't think it's going to change much but, if someone wants to play Champions League no matter what, then that's their ambition.

"Pre-season will be massive for us. Everybody knows we've been going through a little bit of a transition.

"I'm very excited for next season. Obviously there's still a lot to work on but the good thing in this case is that we have the whole pre-season to do that.

"The noises I'm hearing, it's going to be a very intense pre-season with a lot of physical work but also a lot of tactical work. That's very exciting.

"Players are leaving, hopefully players are coming in and we'll be ready for the start."

Liverpool are expected to make a number of signings this summer, with several new midfielders needed.

Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea's Mason Mount and Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch are all targets of the Anfield club, who are expected to name Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director this week ahead of the summer window opening.