With Liverpool nearing the start of their busy pre-season schedule, Jordan Henderson is hoping to see the Reds build towards a top-four finish as well as competing for silverware. 

The Reds recently returned to training at their Melwood base as they work towards full fitness before their friendly schedule, which takes them across over 30,000 miles to play in Asia, Australia and Finland.

With new recruits in their squad and even new backroom staff to help Brendan Rodgers and co. put a dismal 2014-15 campaign in the past, Henderson has set the club's aims up early.  

"It is a very big season for us, as both a team and as a club," said Henderson.

"We have shown great intent early on in the transfer window to do our business early and get the players that we want, but we need to make sure that we start the season well and that we're all on the same page in what we want to achieve.

"Getting back into the Champions League is certainly a big objective for us, but also winning trophies. A club like Liverpool should be winning trophies every year. So that's another aim for us.

"I think it is realistic [to target silverware], with the players we have got and the manager we have got, I feel that we can achieve those things.

"In the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup, we want to be challenging and winning. Obviously in the league, we want to be right up there challenging and we can hopefully get into the Champions League places as well."

Midfielder returns to Melwood amongst friendly new faces

Henderson returns to see two friendly faces whom he knows well from his time on international duty with England.

Added to the arrivals of Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and Roberto Firmino - Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner, both of whom racked up over 30 Premier League appearances respectively last year, are new to the Liverpool side.

The 25-year-old, who linked up with the pair last for the Three Lions' dramatic 3-2 win away at Slovenia in UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying, is confident they can bring plenty of ability to the squad.

"Everybody knows about [James] Milner, he possesses so much quality and experience," he said. "He will give everything he has got every single time he puts on the shirt.

"That is a really good signing for us because people like him can have a huge impact. For what he has achieved in his career, he will be outstanding for us in that sense, and he brings quality as well.

"Nathaniel [Clyne], I've played with for England - he has got huge quality and is a great defender. I think he will be brilliant for us down the right-hand side."

Henderson favourite to succeed Steven Gerrard as club captain

The Sunderland-born central midfielder is also set to be announced as the club's new full-time captain after Steven Gerrard left for MLS side LA Galaxy, where he was recently unveiled in front of the club's supporters at half-time of a 4-0 win over Toronto FC.

Henderson has long been linked with the role given his rapid development through the years at Anfield, which has seen him likened to Gerrard in certain areas.

He started as the team's captain on 18 occasions last season and showed impressive leadership qualities whilst wearing the armband. An announcement unveiling him is expected imminently, once he can agree terms with the club as to a compensation package.