5 potential creative targets for Liverpool

The mood surrounding Anfield has changed dramatically within a matter of weeks. Two weeks ago the club was on the ultimate high after ending the unbeaten run of Manchester City in the Premier League but since then, Liverpool has gone on to lose away to bottom club Swansea and find themselves knocked out of the FA Cup at home to West Brom.

Despite the arrival of former Celtic and Southampton central defender Virgil Van Dijk for a club record fee, the biggest problem the team has had in its last two performances in the creative void in the team left by the departure of Philippe Coutinho. The Liverpool attacking threat has been scintillating this season, Mohammed Salah, Saido Mane, and Roberto Firmino have been superb this season, and will no doubt continue to be a threat.

The summer arrival of Naby Keïta from German club RB Leipzig is a player for the Liverpool fan to look forward to watching despite his poor performances thus far this season in the Bundesliga. Liverpool, however, needs to act now to ensure that they can lift the squad especially with the importance of finishing in the top four and reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Liverpool's weaknesses are evident to see with the long-term goalkeeper problem still not been resolved by the club. Defensively this team still needs a lot of work, especially since Van Dijk has not hit the ground running following his long-awaited arrival at Anfield. Between now and the end of this transfer window, however, the team needs to add a spark, a player who can play between the lines, or even join in to make it an attacking quartet.

As we enter the final few days of the transfer window, the Reds look to be one of the teams that need to make a big signing to keep on course for achieving their status amongst the Premier League top four clubs.

Here is a list of 5 potential targets for the Reds.

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#5 Javier Pastore (PSG)

Pastore is waiting to find out where his future lies

PSG attacking midfielder Javier Pastore is one of the high profile names linked with a move this January. The Argentine playmaker is a target for a number of clubs this January and Liverpool alongside Tottenham Hotspurs look to be among the favorites for his signature.

The problem that both clubs will face with Pastore is the player expressing his desire to return back to Italy to play his football. The former Palermo player is known to be Inter Milan's top target, and with two months without a win, the San Siro club themselves have Champions League qualification to play for this season.

Pastore would be the ideal fit in terms of his playing style to replace Coutinho, with his ability to adjust to playing as part of a front three or in a midfield three. Creatively, Pastore is a world-class player, and with his international experience, he would add class and industry to this Liverpool team.

#4 Lucas Moura (PSG)

The speedy winger is attracting attention from the Far East this January

Another PSG attacker could be on the move this month with their need to match Financial Fair play regulations. The interest from Borussia Dortmund is reliant on what happens with their star striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. For £23m, a deal for Moura is certainly a fairly cheap deal in the transfer market and Liverpool could really hijack any deal that is already in place.

Moura could fit play in any of the roles of Jurgen Klopp's front three. His pace and ability to get in behind would add even more of a threat to the team, and would certainly give more balance down the left-hand side.

Moura would be a great signing for Liverpool and despite the claims that no further signings will be made, Moura should be a target for the club to bring in.

#3 Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)

Riyad Mahrez is wanted at Anfield especially by the Liverpool fans

The Algerian attacker is a player that Liverpool will know well from playing in the Premier League and what quality he could bring to the team.

The role of Mahrez would be the biggest problem Liverpool would face should they make a last-ditch attempt to lure him to Anfield. Mahrez is at his most effective in the role that Mohammed Salah has thrived in this season, so really would Mahrez really be a back-up to Salah or could they integrate the player in a different role to an attacking quartet?

The money needed to get Mahrez would not be an issue for Liverpool, but does he have the sufficient quality too really improve this Liverpool team? The former PFA Player of the year has been in great form this season showcasing to potential suitors just how good he is.

A move away this January looks highly unlikely at this stage but with Tottenham looking to add to their squad, Liverpool could and should be trying to lure Mahrez to Anfield.

#2 Thomas Lemar (AS Monaco)

Lemar is a wanted player and Liverpool would need to move fast to get him

The AS Monaco star has been involved in plenty of speculation during the previous two transfer windows attracting the attention of Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool. With the sale of Coutinho, the talks about signing Lemar to replace the Brazilian has re-surfaced once more.

The form of Lemar this season has not been anywhere near in the class of last season when he is instrumental to Monaco becoming the Champions of France. The price tag on his head is still around 80-90 million though which during this window would make a deal for Liverpool look unlikely.

With the World Cup this summer, Liverpool might just need to get a deal done at this stage. Should Lemar excel for France the interest will mount further and the price will continue to rise. Liverpool should act now and bring the versatile midfielder to Anfield if they have any chance of getting his signature.

#1 Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund)

Pulisic has become an integral member of the Borussia Dortmund team.

The 19-year- old winger is regarded as one the hottest properties across Europe and Jurgen Klopp is a known admirer of the talented American winger. Borussia Dortmund holds a stance that the youngster is not for sale at any price but that should not put Liverpool off from making a move for Pulisic.

There are many experts that feel the young winger will be the main man for the U.S.A national team and will reach the top of the game. Having watched the player it is evident that he will almost certainly find himself at one of Europe's elite clubs and will continue to enhance his reputation.

Liverpool and Klopp are amongst a host of fans of Pulisic and right now a move looks unlikely but certainly will be an interest of the club. The right money could lure the player away from the club and with his ability, he could make an immediate impact at Anfield.