Liverpool manager Matt Beard says their ambition this season is to “break into the top three” in the Women’s Super League.

The Reds finished fourth last season, nine points off third-placed Arsenal.

The club had a quiet transfer window in the summer but they signed Canada international Olivia Smith for a club record £210,000.

“We want to do as well as we can, we want to win trophies, we want to complete,” Beard said.

“It’s tough to break into that top three, the money they’re spending. Even some of the other clubs, the money that is being spent – it has been a mad window.”

Last season, Liverpool claimed impressive victories over eventual champions Chelsea, as well as Arsenal.

“Did we overachieve last year? People may say yes. We finished where we did on merit, we worked extremely hard on the training pitch, we worked incredibly hard in the games and when we had a negative result we went on a good run after,” Beard said.

“We’ve got a really good base and foundation. It’s not always about money and I think we proved that last year.”

He added: “Our ambition is to break into that top three like anyone else.

“On our day we can beat anyone. We’ve proved that over the last two years.”