Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes the club's transfer policy has 'killed' Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds have endured a difficult start to the new Premier League season despite signing the likes of Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino, Joe Gomez and Danny Ings in the summer.

Liverpool have spent in excess of £200million since Rodgers arrived in 2012 but Murphy believes the manager's hand has been forced by club owners Fenway Sports Group and that the transfer policy is more theirs than his.

"I've harped on about the recruitment at Liverpool, and it's killed Brendan at times, really," Murphy told talkSPORT.

"I think he's taken the backlash for the owners and the transfer committee.

"Yes, he has a say, I'm sure he has an influence with certain players, but I'm sure there are other times where he's told, 'no you can't have him'.

"He's been outspoken in the past of his admiration for Ashley Williams at Swansea, but he wasn't within Liverpool's criteria.

"Two seasons ago, when Liverpool were close to winning the league, Brendan showed a lot of intelligence in terms of tactics and changes in formation.

"He's shown a lot of bravery at times, maybe too much with changing the systems and personnel.

"But it is now at a point when come Christmas, if things haven't picked up…there is a time for everyone.

"But the signings this summer were better than last summer, that's for sure, so I believe he's still got enough in that squad, if he can get them on the pitch together, to compete for the top four.

"Let's just see how it is at Christmas."