In his column for liverpoolfc.tv, Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry says management are delighted with how Rafa Benitez's new signings have settled ahead of this weekend's Premiership kickoff.

Parry wrote: "Our new players have settled in really well. We were determined to complete our in-coming transfers as soon as possible in the summer. The fact that we had the likes of Torres, Babel, Voronin and Benayoun with us in China and Rotterdam has definitely helped the integration process.

"They have all settled in really well. It's bound to be beneficial if you can work with them longer during the pre-season games, both in terms of tactics and getting to know them as individuals. I'm sure Rafa has appreciated this.

"We are all feeling extremely positive and upbeat. The new domestic season promises to be tremendously competitive right through the Premier League. There will be the obvious challenge from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but many of the other clubs have also been spending money to improve their squads.

"The likes of West Ham, Tottenham, Manchester City and Fulham have all been bringing players in and so no one can be taken for granted, not that complacency comes into any of our games."