Liverpool Transfer News: Kenny Dalglish Needs More New Men in Red

Liverpool went out and made moves for Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing this summer—big moves for a team looking to make a big leap.

It's not an overnight process, owner John Henry knows that, but he would like to see a better return on his investments than what he saw from them in training this week.

The Reds lost to Hull 3-0, and while the score is hardly important, it was their form that was bothersome.

Both Henderson and Downing made their debuts, new keeper Doni spent time in net, but things just never went right even with Andy Carroll and Charlie Adam on the field with them as well.

More importantly, and this is only the third preseason match for them, is the fact that they have conceded nine goals already.

The Reds inserted themselves into some interesting races for left backs but missed out on Gael Clichy because they refused to up their offer.

Henry and boss Kenny Dalglish decided that overpaying was not something they were going to do and we've seen it action throughout much of the summer.

But overall, with all the money they've spent so far since last transfer window and this window, it is still obvious that the Anfield giants are not up to par with their running mates in Manchester, West London and North London.

United has spent freely this summer and brought in a number of new talents. Chelsea has a new manager and looks to be retaining a number of their talented players, City is out spending as always and Arsenal, well, Arsenal has a lot of issues right now.

But either way, Liverpool still needs more than what they have.

Their midfield is stacked with the additions of Henderson, Adam and Downing joining Steven Gerrard, Raul Meireles, Joe Cole, Christian Poulsen, Alberto Aquilani, Maxi Rodriguez and Lucas Leiva and something has to be done there.

Up top they have Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll, Dirk Kuyt and David N'Gog.

Liverpool has to find the right combination with these names to score more goals if they can't be sure about their defense. The Reds finished last season with a plus-15 goal differential; Arsenal, City, Chelsea and United were all over plus-25 with United and Chelsea going over plus-35.

With all the firepower the Reds now have, they have to expect an increase in goal scoring, but it will take time. Expect to see them stay active in the market for defenders because this team isn't done yet, not by a long shot.