Owen Hargreaves sends warning to Chelsea about Liverpool

Owen Hargreaves believes that Liverpool will challenge Chelsea and Tottenham for the title next season – as long as they bolster their defence in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea are currently flying high at the top of the Premier League table and are currently four points ahead of second-placed Tottenham heading into the final four games of the season.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have put their dreams of winning the title this season to one side as Jurgen Klopp focuses on helping the Reds secure Champions League qualification.

However, former Manchester United midfielder Hargreaves believes that Liverpool are not far away from being genuine title contenders and is backing the Reds to challenge next season if they can bring in some defensive reinforcements when the transfer window reopens.

Speaking to BT Sport, Hargreaves said: “For Liverpool, to finish the season third would be a great achievement.

“To finish ahead of [Manchester] United, [Manchester] City, all the money they have spent, Arsenal, to finish ahead of them with the issues they have, the goalkeeper the back four… Liverpool are going places.

“Address that [defence] and maybe they can push Chelsea and Tottenham next season.”

MORE: Latest Liverpool FC news and views

MORE: Football transfer rumours and gossip

Liverpool, who host Southampton on Sunday, are aiming to finish in the top four this season after the disappointment of their eighth-placed finish last term.