High-flying Liverpool are now rated in the £1 billion class by financial experts.

The Liverpool Echo reports Reds are said to be worth £1.02bn, which places them sixth in a report compiled by Brand Finance, the world's leading independent brand valuation consultancy.

Liverpool have retained the position despite having increased their value by 20% thanks to another run to the Champions League final as well as a strong challenge for the Premier League title.

Real Madrid have usurped Manchester United at the top of the standings as the most valuable club, with an increase of 26.9% seeing them valued at £1.42bn, ahead of the Old Trafford club's value of £1.27bn.

Liverpool are also behind Barcelona (£1.2bn), Bayern Munich (£1.13bn) and main domestic rivals Manchester City (£1.08bn).