Liverpool FC: 5 Potential Transfer Targets in Line with the Reds' Policies

Since Damien Comolli and Kenny Dalglish were brought in to be Liverpool's football director and manager respectively, the general policy operated for new signings has been clear—sign young, British players who can develop at the club and will have a high sell-on value.

Charlie Adam, Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson are examples of players who have been brought in with the new policy in mind.

While fans might not agree, Liverpool will continue to use it through this transfer window and for as long as Comolli and Dalglish are in charge. Liverpool need reinforcements, and there is a good chance that whoever arrives provides that.

Here are five players that Liverpool could sign that would be in line with the transfer policy. 

1. Lee Cattermole, Sunderland

Brazilian defensive midfielder, Lucas, had established himself as arguably Liverpool's most important player over the past couple of seasons. When news broke that he would miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL, needless to say it was a devastating blow to the Reds' title hopes.

Liverpool need to add strength to the heart of their midfield to help replace Lucas, and Lee Cattermole could be just the man.

The 23-year-old midfielder has developed a reputation for being one of the Premier League's most hard-working players over the past few years.

The Reds need to add elite depth, and the Sunderland captain would be a phenomenal addition to the Liverpool midfield. Cattermole is nowhere near his full potential and would provide competition for Lucas upon his return, likely bringing out the best in the Brazilian.  

2. James McCarthy, Wigan Athletic

Liverpool have been searching for a future replacement for 31-year-old Steven Gerrard, and you would be hard pressed to find a more similar youngster in the Premier League than Wigan midfielder James McCarthy 

An all-action player who has seemingly been linked with Liverpool forever. While being Irish, he isn't officially a Brit, but the 21-year-old McCarthy fits into the transfer policy well and would fit into the Liverpool side seamlessly.

With the injury woes surrounding Gerrard and Lucas, Liverpool have lacked depth in the middle, and McCarthy's versatility in central midfield would be crucial. He is a young, talented player with sky-high potential, and there is no predicting how good the Irishman's development might be.

3. Scott Sinclair, Swansea City

Few Premier League newcomers have lit up the league as much as Swansea winger Scott Sinclair, who has put pretty much all the top clubs on high alert after a string of very strong performances.

A 22-year-old graduate of the Chelsea reserve team, Scott Sinclair brings speed, skill and flair—all qualities Liverpool been largely without.

Liverpool have struggled to score this season, and it has mostly been due to the lack of elite penetration from the wings. 

Stewart Downing has scored just one goal in his 22 Reds appearances, and lacks any of the aforementioned qualities. With Sinclair's 33 goals in 72 total games for the Swans, Liverpool would add some real goal-scoring talent.

Sinclair would relish the opportunity to join a top club like Liverpool, and has all the tools and talent to become an Anfield legend somewhere down the road. 

4. Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace

One of the brighter prospects in the England teenage pool, Wilfried Zaha is quickly establishing himself as one of the more dynamic players in the Championship, attracting the interest of Manchester United and, of course, Liverpool.

While Zaha likely wouldn't make too many appearances in the Liverpool first XI this season, he would immediately step in as one of the club's most promising youngsters.

A versatile attacker, Zaha has dominated the Championship with Crystal Palace, scoring five goals and adding eight assists through 31 games this season, and is starting to show signs that he might one day develop into one of the Premier League's finest players.

The Ivory Coast-born winger would likely cost Liverpool around £10 million, but odds are that every penny would prove to be worth it. Zaha would step into the Reds reserve squad, where alongside Raheem Sterling he would begin to lay the foundations of what will one day be a truly formidable wing partnership. 

5. Jordan Rhodes, Huddersfield Town

Liverpool need a goal poacher, and there is no one more prolific in the Football League than Huddersfield front man Jordan Rhodes.

Usually, a goal-per-game rate of over 0.50 is considered outstanding. Through 24 games of the 2011/12 season, the 21-year-old has scored 32 goals at a ridiculous rate of 1.42.

While there is obviously a difference between scoring in the Premier League and in League One, it is rare to find a forward with pure, raw talent and as flawless a skill set as Jordan Rhodes.

The Scotland international is one of the more natural strikers around, and Liverpool would be well served to acquire him for the cheap price he would come at now and watch him blossom into the player he has the potential to be one day.

Follow Jake Ware on Twitter at @JacobWare95.