Liverpool Transfer News: Harry Redknapp Blasts Reds' Squad, Top Rumours

Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has blasted Liverpool's squad and believes the Reds' team to be their worst "I have seen in years."

Per Sunni Upal of the Daily Mail, Redknapp pulled no punches in his brutal assessment of Brendan Rodgers' side at the Telegraph Total Football Live event. He said: 

"

I don't fancy Liverpool at all. I think it's the worst Liverpool team I have seen in years. They look bang average. They are lucky to have any points.

Bournemouth should have beaten them. They got a wonder goal at Stoke. OK, they played all right first half at Arsenal.

I think they will do well to finish in the top five. I am not with Liverpool at all this year. Having said that they will probably win the league.

"

Liverpool finished the transfer window having spent almost £78 million on recruitment this summer, and while the Reds have not always been convincing so far this season, Rodgers does appear to have improved his squad overall from last year.

The often underrated James Milner was an excellent piece of business on a free transfer, and though he isn't the man who will replace Steven Gerrard's talismanic contribution at Anfield, his incredible consistency, work rate and experience will add stability in midfield.

Clive Mason/Getty Images

The Reds' two main areas of weakness—their attack and defence—have also been added to. 

Nathaniel Clyne is well on his way to becoming a real Premier League star at right-back, while Joe Gomez has surprised with his outstanding early form, which has seen him earn his first call-up to England's under-21 side.

Former Liverpool player Jim Beglin believes the 18-year-old has made a strong start to his Anfield career:

Meanwhile, Danny Ings should make a much more reliable option from the bench than Rickie Lambert or Mario Balotelli.

Roberto Firmino is yet to fully click into gear, but the Brazilian's record with Hoffenheim suggests he can become an excellent player for the Reds, having racked up 49 goals and 36 assists in four years with the Bundesliga outfit.

Sky Germany's Jan Aage Fjortoft was impressed with Liverpool's capture of the 23-year-old:

Lastly, Christian Benteke has also shown glimpses that he can step up where Liverpool's forwards last year struggled, scoring the winner against Bournemouth and linking up well with his new team-mates.

Indeed, as B/R's own Jack Lusby notes, the Belgian has formed an unlikely double act with Philippe Coutinho:

With so many changes to the side, a bedding-in period is natural.

The Reds' 3-0 defeat to West Ham United was certainly a poor result, but overall Liverpool already look an improved side from last season.

Liverpool will need to keep on improving to achieve a top-four finish, but with Arsenal and Manchester United having had their own problems in the transfer market, the opportunity is there to snatch a Champions League place.

Liverpool Finalise Deal for Brazilian Youngster

According to Goal.com's Sam Williams, "Liverpool have completed the signing of Allan Rodrigues de Souza from Internacional" in a deal believed to be worth £500,000.

Per Williams' report, the Brazilian had been training with Liverpool over the summer and even featured in several friendlies for their under-21 team.

The 18-year-old has been immediately loaned out to Finnish club SJK until January. Here are some of the player's highlights:

The youngster is unlikely to feature for the Reds' senior side this season due to their current options in midfield.

However, with youngsters like Gomez, Jordon Ibe and formerly Raheem Sterling all being given their chance to impress, Allan could well break into the first team in the coming seasons.