Former Republic of Ireland international Clinton Morrison believes Liverpool will be serious title contenders this season following their productive summer in the transfer market.

The Reds have made four new signings this summer in the forms of Alisson, Xherdan Shaqiri, Fabinho and Naby Keita who joined from AS Roma, Stoke City, AS Monaco and RB Leipzig respectively.

With a combined cost of over £160 million, Liverpool are currently England’s biggest spenders this summer, and Morrison believes the money spent by the Merseysiders will pay dividends this season – with the former Crystal Palace striker expecting Jurgen Klopp’s men to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.

He said: “I said it last season and they’ve strengthened this season, the three signings they’ve made have been terrific.

“I think under Klopp, the enthusiasm he has on the side rubs off on the players. They’ve got terrific players, (Mohamed) Salah, (Sadio) Mane, (Roberto) Firmino, and they’ve added to that squad.

“So I think Liverpool will run Man City all the way to the wire and it’ll be close between the two teams.”

Liverpool however aren’t the only ones who have strengthen over the summer, with current champions Manchester City also spending money to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Pep Guardiola has made two new signings – PEC Zwolle youngster Philippe Sandler and £60 million Riyad Mahrez – the latter of whom Morrison believes will prove to be a useful acquisition for the Citizens.

“A lot of people are saying he might be on the bench but I think it’ll be an exceptional signing,” said Morrison when asked about Mahrez’s move to City.

“They’ve got a brilliant manager, Pep Guardiola, and they’ve improved the squad and he’s still trying to improve the squad.

“I think he’s still trying to get a defensive midfield to compete with Fernandinho so I think Man City will be a hit this season.”