Steven Gerrard: 'Europa League win for Liverpool could kickstart league title bid'

Steven Gerrard has claimed that Liverpool could be Premier League title contenders next season if they win tonight's Europa League final.

The Reds could win their first trophy since 2012 if they overcome Sevilla in the showdown at St Jakob-Park in Basel.

In seven months in charge, manager Jurgen Klopp has guided the Merseyside outfit to two cup finals - League Cup and Europa League - but former Liverpool captain Gerrard is concerned that two losses could damage the club.

On the other hand, if the Reds snatch the trophy tonight, Gerrard believes that the feeling of winning a final and the bonus of qualifying for the Champions League could propel the club forward.

In his column for The Telegraph, Gerrard wrote: "[Winning the final would mean] a European trophy; a place in history for all those players and the sense they are at the beginning of a new era under one of the greatest coaches of his generation.

"There would be such a buzz around the club and the city, the lads and supporters will already be counting down the days until pre-season and you can guarantee all the talk next August will be about what is next for Jurgen Klopp's side - a possible title bid.

"With the calibre of player they can attract, and Champions League qualification, there will be confidence Liverpool can challenge."

Liverpool are facing a club that are searching for their third consecutive Europa League crown.