Claudio Ranieri backs Liverpool to challenge for Premier League title

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri has claimed that Liverpool are now in a position to challenge for the Premier League title under manager Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds are one of a number of sides expected to battle it out over the coming months to wrest the top-flight crown from Leicester, who shocked the world last season by going all the way.

Ahead of this weekend's meeting between the two sides at a revamped Anfield, Ranieri has warned that the reigning champions face a real battle to match their success of 2015-16.

"Liverpool are one of my favourites to win the league. They are ready to fight for the title," he told reporters. "We go there to try and win. We are the champions. It'll be difficult for us but also for them."

Ranieri also confirmed that an announcement is close to being made over the club's new assistant manager, following the departure of Steve Walsh - who doubled up as head of recruitment - to Everton in July.