Carragher

of winning the title until Christmas – but they had no Europe. It was the same when they went close in 2014. They had an advantage because they weren’t in Europe.

“There will be Europe next season and, from the position they’re now in, it should be Champions League.

“If you said to me that Liverpool will finish top four this season and top four next season, I’d bite your hand off.

“Man United will spend big in the summer – and Jose Mourinho will then expect to win the title.

Momentum

Carragher is not convinced keepers Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius are good enough to underpin a serious Liverpool title challenge any time soon.

But he is certain Hart – currently on loan to Italian side Torino from Manchester City – has the big-club mentality Klopp is lacking.

“It isn’t often that the opportunity arises to buy a proven, top-class goalkeeper from a rival,” said Carragher. “And, for me, Joe Hart ticks all the boxes for Liverpool.

“He’s won titles, played in the Champions League and has the mentality to excel with a top team.

“He’s got great concentration levels and, despite what Pep Guardiola believes, I think Joe is decent with his feet.

“He has played for a top club and played behind a team where his defence is pushed up towards the halfway line most of the game.

“He knows what it’s like not to do anything for 20 minutes and then have to make a key save.

“Liverpool bought Mignolet because he looked outstanding for Sunderland, but he isn’t used to playing for a top team at the highest level. Being a keeper for a top team is a completely different ball game.

“Mignolet is a very good keeper and Karius might also develop. “But are they part of the elite? “I don’t think they are – but I think Joe Hart is.”