Liverpool old boy reveals which world-beating star Klopp needs to sign to challenge Man City again

David James reckons Liverpool should sign Federico Valverde from Real Madrid to take them to the next level and compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Liverpool went on a brilliant 10-match winning run in the Premier League during the second half of last season to catch up with leaders City. They somehow managed to take the title race down to the final day.

Jurgen Klopp’s side came from behind to beat Wolves 3-1 on the final day. This saw them do all they could to lift the Prem title for only the second time in the club’s history.

Liverpool fans were hoping their dream might come true when Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa went 2-0 up against City. Philippe Coutinho got the second goal for Villa, of all people.

However, it was not to be for Liverpool as City pulled off a dramatic five-minute comeback to win 3-2 and keep hold of the league title.

Liverpool seem hungover from last season and have started the new campaign slowly. They sit in eighth after winning just two of their first six league matches before the recent international break.

The Reds will be looking to make up the gap with City and Arsenal when they return to action this weekend. Brighton, now managed by Roberto De Zerbi, travel to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

It will be a tough task for Liverpool to catch up with City and Arsenal, as they are already several wins behind the pair of sides. But Liverpool proved last season they can surmount a brilliant comeback and challenge for the biggest of trophies.

Liverpool have been linked with plenty of top stars in recent weeks, including Jude Bellingham, Nicolo Barella and Christopher Nkunku.

David James discusses Liverpool transfer rumours

James, who made 277 appearances for Liverpool, has given his opinion on who Liverpool should sign.

The former shot-stopper believes Valverde, who is developing into a world-class central midfielder at Real, is the perfect man to revamp Klopp’s squad.

“It all depends on whether Valverde would want to move somewhere else,” James said (via Liverpool Echo). “He’s part of the most successful Champions League winning side in history.

“He’s only 24 years old and he’s a wonderful player to watch as he’s so dynamic in the way he plays and to stay at Real Madrid would make perfect sense.

“However, if Liverpool were able to lure him then he would be the type of player they need to continue this argument with Manchester City over who’s the best team in England.

“City are winning that at the moment. But with Valverde in that Liverpool side, then Jurgen Klopp would be rubbing his hands believing he’s got a side that can challenge again.

“Madrid is a marvellous city and I can imagine being in that environment is very pleasing and as Real Madrid is such a big club then the question is a case of why would you want to leave?

Valverde ‘would be a wonderful acquisition’ for Liverpool

“Valverde has his own opinions and if Liverpool can offer Real Madrid something they can’t refuse then we will see. If they could obtain him then that would be a wonderful acquisition.”

Valverde would certainly be a brilliant signing for Liverpool. He has become one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most integral players over the past season or two.

At 24, he is the perfect age as he is experienced but also with the best years ahead of him. With Klopp looking for Jordan Henderson’s replacement, Valverde might just be the ideal signing.

The trouble for Liverpool is whether they can afford the Uruguayan. transfermarkt put his value at £72m. Another factor to consider, which James brings up, is whether Liverpool can convince Valverde to leave Real. They are seemingly the biggest side in the world right now.

Meanwhile, Klopp is ‘over the moon’ to see a Liverpool player return from injury.