Keita: I know Liverpool can challenge Man City for Premier League title

The 23-year-old is confident he and his fellow new signings can give the Reds the spark they need to challenge Pep Guardiola's champions

Naby Keita is certain Liverpool are good enough to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title this season.

Keita is one of several big-name signings to arrive this summer, having agreed last August to join the Reds in a then club record deal worth £48 million ($64m).

Liverpool have topped that fee since then and have heavily invested in the first-team with Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri joining before they made Alisson the world’s most expensive goalkeeper in the £65 million ($85m) capture from Roma.

The lavish spending has sparked talks that Jurgen Klopp’s side are ready to push last season’s runaway champions to the domestic crown, after they finished fourth and 25 points behind Pep Guardiola's team last term.

And Keita is already convinced his side have what it takes to put together a strong challenge, adding that he is up for the fight.

"I know we have enough quality,” he told Sky Sports.

"It's all about having the mindset and desire to want it and fight for it enough. I think that goes a long way, having that desire and belief.

"I'm someone who has this real winning mentality. I have a huge desire to win. That's why I'm aggressive in a positive sense on the field."

The Guinea international has been given the No.8 jersey, previously worn by club legend Steven Gerrard.

And the 23-year-old was delighted to be presented with his new shirt by the former Liverpool and England star himself, revealing that the new Rangers manager passed on his support to the new signing.

"It was a big shock [when Gerrard gave me the shirt]," Keita added.

"Steven said to me 'everyone's going to be here for you, to help you develop'.

"I'm aware it's a big number here and I'm very excited to wear it. But it's also something I'm not going to put any extra pressure on myself with."