Graeme Souness has called on Liverpool to put a 'disappointing' transfer window behind them by signing Spain star Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich.
The Reds have been heavily linked with the midfielder for a number of months but have so far been unwilling to meet Bayern's £27million asking price.
Manager Hansi Flick declared last week he expects Thiago to leave the Allianz Arena this summer.
But the player broke his silence on Saturday to insist he has not told anyone he is departing.
Liverpool's only recruit of the summer so far is £11.75million left-back Kostas Tsimikas, who joined on a long-term deal from Olympiacos to provide cover and competition for Andy Robertson.
Souness believes the transfer window has been an underwhelming one for his former club and is concerned the Reds are not strengthening as they prepare to defend their Premier League crown.
"The perfect time to sign players is when they do not have to be an instant hit but can be gradually introduced," Souness wrote in The Times .
"So I am disappointed that Liverpool haven’t done so while they are reigning Premier League and world champions.
"That worked well with the likes of Fabinho and Robertson, who came to the fore after spending several months learning the system and could bed in without the spotlight being on them.
Are Liverpool strong enough to defend their Premier League title without adding Thiago to their ranks? Have your say here.
"That was classic Liverpool when I played there and classic Manchester United for over more than 20 years under Sir Alex Ferguson - to strengthen from a position of power."
Souness also highlighted why he believes Thiago would be an ideal match for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool and why he anticipates a challenging 2020/21 campaign.
The Scot added: "Thiago Alcantara, the Bayern Munich midfielder, would be perfect because he works his socks off but is also gifted technically. He is 29, but he still has a couple of years, maybe three, at the highest level left in him.
"As it stands, Liverpool are the favourites for the title, but I don’t see them running away with it again. I expect a bigger challenge, from United and Chelsea this time.
"United will be better with Donny van de Beek, but the goalkeeping situation may be an issue. Chelsea have signed well, but let’s see how quickly Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz settle in.
"Beyond that, I don’t see a title challenger. People are making noises about Arsenal, but I don’t see them being strong enough. If you’re asking me now, that’s my top four for next May: Liverpool, City, United and Chelsea."
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