Liverpool FC : 5 possible transfer targets

Liverpool‘s blink and miss start to the season has drawn widespread criticism from their supporters after the club failed to win for the 3rd time in succession at Anfield. The voice of the fans has been echoed by manager Kenny Dalglish, who was sceptical of his team’s performance as they lie in 6th position, 12 points adrift of the league leaders Manchester City.

The officious manner in which the owners acted during the transfer window, had reignited the hopes of all the Kop faithfuls who believed, Liverpool were once again a force to reckon with in the Premier League. However, it has not been the case. New signings Stuart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have found it difficult to settle at the club, sharing just 3 goals between them, and injury to wretched skipper Steven Gerrard has piled on to Liverpool’s woes.

Judging by the current situation, Dalglish will probably need to buy in January, but the transfer window being so compulsive lately , it is important that Liverpool identify their transfer targets early to overcome these unforeseen problems. Here is the list of 5 possible players who could move to Anfield when the transfer window reopens in January.

1. Salomon Kalou (Striker/Winger) :- The Ivory Coast international has been an isolated figure in the Blues set-up after a string of disappointing performances early in the season. The versatile forward who can also operate as a winger, was a subject of interest from Liverpool during the summer but chances of a deal fizzed out. As the rumours of Kuyt and Rodriguez leaving the merseyside club gather pace, the Reds may return to Chelsea with a second bid for £8m rated Kalou, who may be forced to sell the Ivorian as talks of his contract extension have stalled with his deal set to expire in the summer.

2. Mateo Musacchio (Centre-Back) :- The young Argentine is a product of River Plate’s youth academy and currently plays in Spain for Villareal CF. The 5ft 11in centre-back has caught the eye of a lot of top clubs after a string of impressive performances for the ”yellow submarines”. The 21 year-old has signed a long term contract with the La Liga side who have officially declared that the player is not for sale. With Agger on Milan’s radar and the need to replace the error-prone Martin Skrtel more and more ominous, Musacchio along with Coates can form a rock solid partnership for Liverpool in the future.

3. Adam Johnson (Winger) :-The Manchester City winger has played a bit part role in the Citizen’s premier league campaign this season and may look at alternatives in order to boost his chances for the Euros in Poland and Ukraine. The number of attacking options which are at Mancini’s disposal, has left Johnson on the fringes of the first team. Liverpool could be the winger’s preferred destination if he seeks pastures new as Dalglish has identified Johnson as the team’s solution on the right flank. It’ll be interesting to see if City entertain any offers from their rivals for a player who was once their most prized asset.

4. Yann M’Vila (Defensive-Midfielder) :- The Frenchman has gone from strength to strength ever since the FIFA World Cup and was linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer. The holding midfielder who possesses a unique blend of creativity and physical strength backed with ball winning zeal, has drawn comparisons with fellow country-mate Claude Makelele. Reports claim Rennes will allow M’Vila to leave the club, if their valuation of £26m is met by the interested parties. He would slot in perfectly alongside Steven Gerrard in the heart of midfield and add to Liverpool’s physical prowess.

5 a. Marko Marin (Winger/Attacking-Midfielder) :- The playmaker has been in sublime form for Bremen this season and seems to be enjoying his free role in the attacking third. His ability to play as a winger should suit Liverpool, and can strike a fruitful partnership with Jose Enrique on the left flank. The German international was closely monitored by some Premier League clubs during the summer, but chances of a deal were rebuffed by Bremen. If an offer is made by Liverpool , the German may find the proposal of playing in England too difficult to resist.

5 b. Reader’s Choice :-Readers it’s time to don your thinking cap and let us know who and why you think will wear the Liverpool colours come January.