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Wayne Rooney thinks Liverpool will be "unstoppable" if it successfully secures Alexander Isak's signature, as Arne Slot aims for consecutive Premier League titles.
The Reds dominated their path to glory under the Dutch manager last season and have been ruthless in the transfer window to maintain their position at the summit. They've already brought in the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, spending more than $300 million.
Yet that hasn't prevented Liverpool from pursuing Isak following his expressed wish to depart Newcastle. The Magpies have stood firm, turning down an Anfield offer of £110 million ($149 million), and insist their star won't be departing.
Isak is pushing hard for the transfer, declaring he's finished at St. James' Park.
The drama could continue for weeks, but Rooney believes it's a frightening possibility if the Swedish striker does complete the switch.
He told Match of the Day: "I already have Liverpool as favourites to win the title this year, but if Isak comes in, I think they're going to be unstoppable.
"The quality they've got. I think a big thing was replacing Trent because a lot of chances and goals came from that side, and I think (Jeremie) Frimpong has got the attributes to go and fill that side."
Frimpong, like Wirtz, arrived from Leverkusen and plugs the gap created by Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure.
The Dutch defender has proven incredibly inventive going forward, with Liverpool hoping he can replicate the club's former right-back's vital contributions in attack.
Rooney's season forecasts have also seen him single out Rio Ngumoha as the standout emerging talent.
The youngster displayed flashes of brilliance during pre-season, with Slot acknowledging: "I see him train, I see him play, and the impact he has when he trains and plays is really promising."
Rooney has also tipped former club Manchester United to secure Champions League qualification despite the club's dismal 15th-place finish last campaign.
While it marked a historic low point in the Premier League era, more than $250 million has been invested in players like Benjamin Sesko, leading the club's ex-star to believe the Red Devils are just a couple of additions away from a dramatic turnaround.
He said: "As I said I still think they need one or two more signings, but Amorim, I can see what he's doing and I think it is looking better and I think they will sneak into the top five."
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