Rafa Benitez Must Strengthen if His Side are to Catch Manchester United

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

All the talk about Liverpool at the moment seems to revolve around the clubs financial problems—will the American's be able to refinance their loan, or will the club be subject to another takeover?

However, for the fans, there are more important issues—such as the managers dealings in the transfer market. If Rafa Benitez does not act fast, he will miss out on his first choice targets once again, and be forced to make do with what he can get.

After the disaster in Rome, and the imminent departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Carlos Tevez rumoured move to Manchester City, Manchester United are looking somewhat vulnerable. It would be foolish to say they are in crisis, but they certainly look a lot weaker than they did this time last month.

And so it falls to Benitez to assemble a team capable of challenging Sir Alex. Liverpool were the closest they've been for years last season, but there is still room for improvement in this Liverpool squad.

In goal, there are no problems. Pepe Reina is consistent and rarely injured, whilst Diego Cavalieri provides suitable back up.

Alvaro Arbeloa is solid at right back, but there is little competition. Philip Degen's consistent injuries meant Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and even Javier Mascherano had to fill in at right back at times last season.

There are rumours Glen Johnson is set to arrive from Portsmouth, and although he is certainly a talented player, and would be a good addition to the squad, the fee is off putting.

Figures up to 17 million pounds have been thrown around, and to spend that on a right back, given Liverpool's financial limitations, and the fact they already have a perfectly good player in Arbeloa, is ridiculous.

I would rather the club gamble on Micah Richards, who could cost as little as 5 million pounds. Richards has lost his way this season at City, but he proved in the '07/'08 season that he has ability, and a transfer could be just what he needs to get his career back on track. He can also fill in at centre back, if needs be.

At left back, Fabio Aurelio is more than capable, and Emmanuel Insua provides quality back up. Hopefully Andrea Dossena will return to Italy, with rumours the club could make only a small loss on the 7 million pound flop.

Daniel Agger has the potential to become one of the finest defenders in Europe, as shown by interest from AC Milan and Barcelona in the talented Dane, and I would like to see him much more involved next season.

However, finding him a partner could be a problem. Jamie Carragher always give his all for the cause, but he seems to have somewhat lost his way since Christmas- Martin Skrtel even more so.

With Red legend Sami Hyypia heading to Bayern Lerekusen, a new centre back should be made a priority. Pompey's Sylvan Distin has been linked, but I would much rather the club persue Sebastien Bassong from relegated Newcastle.

It would also do no harm to enquire about Rafael Marquez, Barca's Mexican defender who must fight local boys Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique for a place in the Barcelona team.

Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso form one of the finest central midfield partnership in all of Europe, and so it is vital that Benitez keeps this pair from the clutches of Spain's big two, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

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