Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne admits he is wary of the threat Liverpool will pose this season after a positive summer in the transfer market for Jurgen Klopp’s side. 

Liverpool completed four new signings over the summer, spending just £160 million to bring all of Alisson, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho to Anfield.

City on the other hand completed just one major signing in the form of Riyad Mahrez, who arrived in a £60 million move from Leicester City.

Liverpool finished 25 points behind City last season as Pep Guardiola’s side romped to the Premier League title in record fashion, however De Bruyne admits  he expects the gap to close between the two sides this term.

“The main focus is on us,” said De Bruyne, speaking to the BBC. “The other teams are always going to push us, Liverpool did what we did last year. They have spent a lot of money but wisely.

“They needed some additions and they have got them in the right places. They saw that they had to up the level to come closer to us and we are trying to maintain what we have done last year. It will be a good battle between the top sides.

“The top six is always challenging. I don’t make a difference between any team. Liverpool spent the most this year, but last year it was us and Manchester United.

“Now there are other teams in the Premier League who spend more than us, they have to do what they have to do to be better.”

Liverpool opened the new campaign with a 4-0 win over West Ham and next take on Crystal Palace on Monday night, while City will face Huddersfield Town as they look to build on Sunday’s impressive 2-0 win over Arsenal.