Liverpool Transfer Scenarios: 8 Players They Really Should Go After in January

Liverpool could do with some reinforcements when the January transfer window opens.

The team needs more defensive solidity in midfield and some more offensive firepower. New signings Jordan Henderson, Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing have not been very productive so far this season.

Lucas Leiva has been sidelined for the remainder of the season, and he has been Liverpool's rock in the midfield.

If the Merseyside club wants to get back into the Champions League places—and make a good push at an FA cup trophy as well—they will need all the help they can get.

Here is a list of players that Liverpool should go after in January.

Adam Johnson

Adam Johnson has played 20 games for Manchester City so far this season, but most of those have come as a substitute. Even though he plays mostly as a substitute, he has been able to score six goals and add three assists.

With Euro 2012 coming up in the summer, Johnson will want to be playing regularly for a top team. He could get that chance with Liverpool.

Johnson would most certainly be first choice on the wing at Liverpool, and he would provide them with the width and goal-scoring from the wings that they need.

Milos Krasic

After a solid first season in Italy, Milos Krasic has seen very little playing time this season. While that may be somewhat of a red flag, Krasic's talent cannot be doubted.

Krasic can provide the team with a very good creative spark from the wing and would decrease the burden on both Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard.

Riccardo Montolivo

Riccardo Montolivo would give Liverpool a very capable replacement and possible partner for Lucas Leiva when he returns.

The last Italian that Liverpool bought did not fare well, but Montolivo is a more experienced player than Alberto Aquilani was at that stage in career.

Liverpool needs stability in the middle of the field if they want to make a good run in the competitions they play in. Montolivo has the talent to provide that stability.

Lukas Podolski

Lukas Podolski has been linked with Arsenal quite a number of times since the last transfer window closed. He would be a great addition for Liverpool too.

His versatility would make him a great squad player, and he has high levels of experience, especially on the international stage.

So far this season, Podolski has 14 goals and five assists to his name and seems to be carrying his usually productive international form on to the domestic stage.

Salomon Kalou

Salomon Kalou is another very versatile player that would be a good buy for Liverpool. He does not seem to be in Andre Villas-Boas' plans and could be looking to move in January.

Kalou comes with the added bonus of being very experienced with the domestic game, and though he has not set the league alight as expected, he has been a decent enough player for Chelsea.

Kalou can score goals from out wide and can play up top if needed.

Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe has hinted that he may leave Tottenham in January, and Liverpool should try and snatch him up. Defoe would proved Liverpool with a proven Premier League forward and one who would be comfortable pairing with either Andy Carroll or Luis Suarez.

Emmanuel Adebayor stands in the way of his playing time at the moment, and Defoe could be intrigued by the prospect of more first-team football in Merseyside.

So far this season, Defoe has nine goals and five assists in 20 games.

Lassana Diarra

There have been rumours that Lassana Diarra may go to Liverpool on loan. If that is indeed true, it would be a very good thing for team.

A loan deal for Diarra would be very inexpensive and beneficial. Diarra is used to the Premier League and will want to improve his prospects for a possible move away from Madrid.

He is a solid defensive midfielder, and he is even capable of playing on the right. His inclusion into the squad would be a positive one.

Esteban Granero

Esteban Granero's time at Real Madrid has certainly not turned out the way he expected. He could be on the move, and Liverpool could do with him as a playmaker.

He may not be as nimble of some of his current compatriots, like David Silva and Juan Mata, but Granero can be a very positive influence in Merseyside.

If he is handed the reins as a main playmaker at a squad, his talent will come to the foreground, and Liverpool could be the ones to benefit from it.