Five essential Liverpool transfers to stop the rot this January.
With Liverpool losing badly again this weekend, falling to a 3-1 defeat away to Manchester United, it looks like manager Brendan Rodgers has a big job on his hands to strengthen in January.
The Reds look short in a number of areas and should consider some major changes to their squad, with the emphasis on proven big names.
Here is our pick for five realistic signings Liverpool could make this winter:
1) Isco (Real Madrid)
A creative player who can score and set up goals, Isco would be a useful addition in a variety of attacking midfield positions for Liverpool, adding some true world class spark to the side and taking the pressure off Philippe Coutinho. Supposedly available this January, Arsenal and Manchester City are also interested in the Spaniard.
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2) Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich)
A similar flair player who can add goals and creavitity up front for Liverpool, Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze was linked with the Reds and other top clubs in the summer after speculation that he is unhappy at the Allianz Arena and looking for a new challenge abroad.
3) Samir Handanovic (Inter Milan)
With Simon Mignolet clearly not good enough, Liverpool should be seriously looking for a new number one, with Inter Milan shot-stopper Samir Handanovic one of the best in the business and recently linked with a number of bigger clubs.
4) Radja Nainggolan (AS Roma)
A top class defensive midfielder, Radja Nainggolan was linked with Liverpool earlier in the summer and looks a great fit in this current Reds squad, which seems to lack a bit of bite in the middle of the park after Steven Gerrard’s departure to LA Galaxy.
5) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Linked many times with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, Liverpool should join the running to sign out-of-favour Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, who is one of the top young centre-backs in Europe. Possibly available for £25m, the French starlet would be a huge upgrade on the likes of Dejan Lovren at the back for Rodgers’ side.