Liverpool: Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has travelled to Spain to complete a double deal for full-backs Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo.

Sevilla left-back Moreno has been the subject of several Anfield bids this summer, but it now seems Brendan Rodgers is close to a securing his man.

Having seen long-term target Ryan Bertrand join Southampton on loan — Chelsea refused to deal with Liverpool — Moreno has become the main option in a problem position. Liverpool will have to pay around £16 million (Dh98.9 million) for the 21-year-old.

The deal for 20-year-old right-back Manquillo is a loan from Atletico Madrid, with Liverpool hoping to secure an option for a permanent move later. Both signings would ensure Rodgers’s main focus over the last few weeks of the transfer window is a new striker. He needs reinforcement following the breakdown of Loic Remy’s £8 million move from Queens Park Rangers due to a failed medical.

Signing Moreno will take Liverpool’s summer spending beyond £100 million. Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is determined to put aside England’s disappointing summer and continue his growth at club level. Henderson’s improvement has been outstanding over the past two years and his manager is demanding even more in the season ahead. He scored a fine goal in his club’s pre-season victory over Manchester City in New York on Wednesday and acknowledges he has to keep pushing himself to greater heights.

“I want to carry on from last season. To keep learning from the people around me, keep getting better all the time,” Henderson said.

“We can take a lot of confidence from last season because we played so much good football. We went on such a long unbeaten run and you couldn’t fault anyone. That makes you even hungrier to go back and finish it off this season. I think we have done some great business in the summer.

“We were so close to winning the league last season. It really did just slip away at the last minute and that really does hurt. But it makes you even more hungry to get back and do it all again. Hopefully we can win one [title] very soon.”

Rodgers was delighted with his side’s positive response to tactical changes after they twice rallied against City to edge out the Premier League champions in New York. Stevan Jovetic gave City the lead twice in the second half but Liverpool responded with goals from Henderson and Raheem Sterling before winning the penalty shootout 3-1.

“It was a great game for us. Manchester City are a wonderful team and will go close in the Premier League again this year,” said Rodgers, who had special praise for Henderson.

“He has qualities as he showed with the finish for the equaliser. He does that day-in day-out in training.

“I expect him to get upwards of 10 goals this season. He has the qualities and tactical nous to arrive in places to do that.”