Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp makes Champions League claim about Reds’ signings

That is what Jurgen Klopp has said.

The transfer window closed at 5pm on Tuesday for English clubs but Liverpool’s activity was long since done before then.

The Reds spent more than any other Premier League club, around £170million in total, to recruit Naby Keita – in a deal that was pre-agreed 12 months ago – Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri and new No 1 goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Calls for Liverpool to sign long-term target Alisson intensified after the defeat to Madrid in which previous first-choice shot-stopper Loris Karius made two critical mistakes that have taken a long-lasting effect on his confidence.

But the German manager has said it was always his intention to strengthen in goal, as well in midfield and up top, as the Merseyside outfit look to narrow the gap to title-winners Manchester City – who finished 25 points ahead last term – in order to contend for the domestic crown this year.

Klopp told reporters ahead of Liverpool’s first Premier League game of the new season: “The Champions League final had absolutely nothing to do with our transfer business.

“Everything was already fixed and clear what we wanted. All decisions were made to that point already. I think our areas were obvious.

“If Alisson was not on the market, we don’t move for a goalkeeper. He was on the market so we went for it.

“That we wanted to have more options offensively – that was clear long before the final. I think Shaqiri is a fantastic example of how you can do it.

“He ticks different boxes, he can play wide, he can play No 10, it looks like he can play eight too and that is cool.

“As for Fabinho, we knew a bit longer that Emre [Can] would not extend his contract so Fabinho was clear as a target, but not clear that we would get him.

“Naby was clear. One left, one came in. Phil [Coutinho] left before then Naby came in. It is not the same type of player but it is a similar position at least.”

Liverpool had also looked to get a deal for Lyon captain Nabil Fekir over the line before the World Cup, with a £53m agreement in place for the play-maker.

Fekir had been seen as the ideal Coutinho replacement, given he could also play as a striker or out wide, but the transfer collapsed at the eleventh hour due to concerns over medical results.

Liverpool were worried about the quality of the surgery that Fekir had to repair a knee injury three years ago and the potential long-term ramifications that may have.

While it was continually suggested the Anfield club would look to revisit a deal, no negotiations took place between Liverpool and Lyon after June 8 with Klopp deciding to settle with his midfield options.

Liverpool entertain Manuel Pellegrini’s new-look West Ham in their Premier League opener at Anfield tomorrow afternoon (1.30pm).