Of course we're favourites for title...we're the holders

SPENDING MONEY NOT THE ONLY REASON WE'RE FANCIED, SAYS SLOT

- By IAN DOYLE

ARNE Slot has embraced Liverpool being regarded as Premier League favourites - but not on the basis of their summer spending.

The Reds have been installed as the team to beat by bookmakers after romping to a record-equalling 20th championship last season.

Having largely retained the squad that Slot inherited from his predecessor Jurgen Klopp ahead of last term. Liverpool have embarked on an extensive overhaul this transfer window with almost £300million worth of arrivals to date.

That, though, has been offset by a number of key sales, with the imminent exit of Darwin Nunez to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for £46m meaning a net spend of just over £100m this summer.

While such a figure would be equivalent to wheeler-dealers Chelsea, it is dwarfed by the net spends of both Arsenal (£195m) and Manchester City (£150m), while Manchester United's expected deal for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko will see their figure rocket up to almost £160m.