Paul Merson names 2 signings that could make Liverpool title contenders next season

Paul Merson believes Liverpool could challenge for the Premier League title next season if they sign Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham in the summer transfer window. 

Mount has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks amid a contract standoff with Chelsea, while Bellingham has been the Reds' primary transfer target for over a year now. Speaking to Sky, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, Merson questioned why Chelsea would sell Mount to a Premier League rival as he lavished praise on the England international.

"If Liverpool go and get Mount and then Jude Bellingham, who could also go to Liverpool, you've got a title-contending team. Why would you want to chance that [by selling Mount to a rival]? Why would you make them stronger?

"Mason Mount was by far Chelsea's best player last season. He was outstanding. It's different when you come through the ranks at a football club because you cost nothing.

"When you get bought for a lot of money you're viewed as more of an asset. Whoever gets Mason Mount has got the biggest result ever. The kid can play. It's bad business by Chelsea - they should give him what he's asking for.

"You don't offload your best players. There are so many players that need to get shipped out of this Chelsea squad before Mount. When you hear whispers of the teams that want to buy him that tells you everything you need to know.

"I'm a huge fan of Mount, he's a top-class player. He's not playing at the moment because of his contract situation. With the size of the squad, they aren't going to select a player who won't sign a new contract."

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

If Liverpool snap up both Mount and Bellingham this summer, Jurgen Klopp's engine room would be massively re-energized as the pair have shown immense promise for club and country in recent seasons. If Chelsea's contract stand-off with Mount continues, Liverpool are reportedly ready to pounce and it would be a smart piece of business by Klopp and co as he has all the qualities to flourish in the centre of the park.

As for Bellingham, he's one of the most exciting midfielders in world football and would immediately make Liverpool a force to be reckoned with. Will the Reds complete a sensational double swoop this summer? Only time will tell.