Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has warned the Reds that they face an uphill battle over qualifying for the Champions League despite another prolific transfer window.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has spent in the region of £77m this summer after a seventh-place finish last term saw the Merseysiders drop out of Europe's elite competition.

Crouch - now at Stoke City - is convinced that Liverpool will improve as a result of their signings, but warns that the battle for a top-four place is as fierce as ever.

"A club like Liverpool should be competing in the Champions League. They've got a good squad full of world-class players and on their day they can beat anyone," he told the Daily Star.

"They have improved from last season, but it's going to be tough. United and City are spending money, Chelsea are strengthening too, so it's going to be difficult for them."

Christian Benteke, Danny Ings, James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne, Roberto Firmino, Adam Bogan and Joe Gomez have all joined the Anfield club.

Ex-Aston Villa striker Benteke represents the bulk of their spending at £32.5m, while Brazil forward Firmino cost in the region of £29m.