Liverpool FC: 5 Reasonable January Targets

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It has been a week since the transfer window opened again.

Yet, remarkably, Liverpool doesn’t seem to have made any attempt at bringing in new players. However, as is the case always, rumours have linked the Reds to many top players from all around the world.

From David Villa (sadly, he’s injured) to Darren Bent and Lucas Moura to Gonzalo Higuain, there has been no stopping the rumour mills. Not all of these rumours come to fruition, but it's not going to stop the fans from adding their favourite to the shopping cart.  

And that’s where I think I can help them with this list of five reasonable transfer deals that can materialise for Liverpool.

Yann M’Vila

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The Rennes midfielder is the best bet to plug the gap that Lucas Leiva’s long-term injury has left in the midfield for Liverpool.

He's a rumoured target of several top clubs, but a move for Liverpool will suit him the best as he can be sure of getting first team opportunities.

This will also provide for some much-needed competition to midfield spots for Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson. However, he will not come in the cheap, as Rennes may expect a fee in excess of £20 million, but that shouldn’t dishearten Liverpool because some players are really worth more than their fee a la José Enrique.

Xherdan Shaqiri

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The 20–year-old Swiss international, regarded as one of the brightest prospects in European football, was the provider for the two goals that knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League.

Though many Liverpool fans would like to see Eden Hazard moving to Anfield at the end of this window, Shaqiri would be the reasonable one out of the two, considering his price tag isn’t as high as Hazard’s.

The FC Basel winger would also fit the Liverpool policy of investing in bright, young talents very well.

The Shaqiri deal, if it materialises, would be a great bit of business for Liverpool and boost their chances of a Champions League spot finish.

Lukas Podolski

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There are umpteen numbers of options for Liverpool to pick and choose from when it comes to the attacking front.  But there's only one top bracket player who wouldn’t mind switching teams despite the lack of Champions League football.

That's Lukas Podolski.

The 26-year-old FC Koln and German international striker is currently enjoying a good run of form this season having notched up 14 goals thus far. Despite his heroics, Koln sits at 10th in the table with no chance of making it to a Champions League spot.

Given that situation, Podolski wouldn’t mind switching to a team that has more chances of securing that spot and are in need of his services that could help propel them to the same. Arsenal were rumoured to be in for his signature as well, but with Thierry Henry signing for them on loan, the path appears to be clear for Liverpool now.

Roberto Soldado

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The Valencia hit man is another potential strike partner for Luis Suarez who Liverpool should be looking into.

The former Real Madrid youth product looks to be in fine touch, having scored 16 La Liga goals for his club this season.

Purchasing him would mean burning a hole to the tune of about £20 million in NESV’s deep pockets which is why, I believe, Liverpool should be aiming for Podolski first as German talents come in the cheap.

Soldado would come in a lot less cheap than Darren Bent, however, if rumours linking the Aston Villa forward to the Reds carry substance.

Adding Soldado to the Liverpool team sheet would bring some much-needed flair to their game from a No. 9, something that no Liverpool supporter can ever expect out of Andy Carroll.

Younès Belhanda

The attacking midfielder from Montpellier is the best January transfer target, in my opinion, that Liverpool should chase.

The 21-year-old Moroccan international has been in scintillating form, guiding his club to second position in the Ligue 1 charts. The player himself has been vocal about his priorities in the future as he had stated that he would leave the club if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. Here's an excerpt from his conversation to L'Equipe.

Things are good at Montpellier. If we qualify for the Champions League then sure, I will stay, even if the club want to sell me. What league would I like to try? The German championship, in particular Borussia [Dortmund].

Though he has expressed his interest in joining Borussia Dortmund, a move to Liverpool will definitely appeal to him. If this deal did went through, it would also allow Kenny Dalglish to give Steven Gerrard a deeper role to play where he can have actual command over the midfield. Plus, he's not as irritating as fellow Moroccan Adel Taarabt!