Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has admitted winning the Premier League will be the club's "priority" next season.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has played down Liverpool's chances of winning the title, claiming it was only "an option" because of the stiff competition.

Liverpool are keen to end their 18-year hunt for the title with fierce rivals Manchester United now just one Premier League success away from equalling the Anfield outfit's haul of 18 domestic titles.

United finished 11 points clear of Liverpool last season and Parry says the club must make a concerted bid for the championship next campaign.

"We have to look back, learn and build for next season when the Premier League title will again be a priority target," said Parry

"We said back in February that despite the off-field issues we needed to focus on a busy and important game schedule.

"The players did this and we qualified for next season's Champions League with games to spare.

"As ever, we now begin to concentrate on further improving the squad for next year. We have to be real contenders.

"The points gap has narrowed, but it's still not enough.

"We have the nucleus of a very good team and now we must build on that during the summer break."

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