Source: SKY_Sports
In the red
Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness says he is concerned that the club might not have the funds to sustain a Premier League challenge this season.
Liverpool finished just four points behind champions Manchester United last season and their fans will be hoping they can go one better this term.
However, Souness does not believe the club's American owners have the finances in place to allow Rafael Benitez to strengthen his squad significantly this summer.
"I think things will be tight at Liverpool," he told Sky Sports News. "The owners have had to refinance and (Benitez) has spent a lot of money, but I don't think there will be lots of money being spent at Anfield this year.
Enormous
"If you asked 100 (fans), 99 of them would say they want the Premier League this season, but it's an enormous task.
"As well as they did last year, I think the manager would still like to strengthen certain areas and to make the difference in those areas takes big money.
"The teams that dominate the Premier League these days are the teams that consistently qualify for the Champions League, but unfortunately for Liverpool, at this time, they don't have the finances that the other three would appear to have."
LeavingEngland right-back Glen Johnson has been the only new addition to Liverpool's squad so far this transfer window, however Souness admitted he was worried about the possibility of players leaving Anfield this summer.
Both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano have been the subject of transfer speculation, with Spain believed to be their likely destination.
Real Madrid have made no secret of their admiration for Alonso, while European champions Barcelona are believed to be interested in bringing Argentina captain Mascherano to Camp Nou.
However, the former Reds captain believes it would be a disaster for the Merseysiders if both midfielders were to leave.
"I don't think (Benitez) can afford to lose both Mascherano and Alonso. I'm a big fan of Alonso's and I think he is a class act, so I would hate to see him leave."
