Liverpool FC: Can the Merseyside Club Use Transfers to Break the Top 4?

With many rumors continuing to circulate around the Anfield club, Liverpool are coming off a 3-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen with high hopes of securing at least one to three more signings before the window ends on August 31.

The names of Clint Dempsey and Theo Walcott have been making their rounds, but newer names like Nuri Sahin and Cristian Tello are also beginning to surface, suggesting that the Anfield club could still have much business to do. But are these names enough to break the top four for a club that hasn't seen Champions League football since 2009? Let's start with those who have already come in:

1. Fabio Borini—From Roma ($15 Million)

To the delight of many Liverpool fans, Fabio Borini has already proven he is ready to score and light up the pitch with his debut goal coming at home in Europa League competition against FC Gomel. Borini didn't come cheap to Liverpool, but manager Brendan Rodgers clearly thought he was worth the price. Borini had an Italian second-best conversion rate of 0.43, or a goal every 157 minutes. The question is, with Suarez and Borini up front, can the two produce the goals needed to fire LFC in to the top?

2. Joe Allen—From Swansea FC ($23 Million)

Mr. Allen was a very welcomed signing to Liverpool and one that Brendan Rodgers is ecstatic about, and likewise from the ex-Swans midfielder. Reds fans got a little taste of Allen during the Olympics, as he featured for Team GB regularly. Allen had a league best 91.2 percent passing rating and had more interceptions than any other LFC player last year.

While the statistics for the two players already look promising before they've even debuted in the Premier League, are they enough to eject LFC back to where they belong in Europe? With the addition of one or two of these potential signings, it's very possible.

1. Clint Dempsey—Currently at Fulham FC

Surprisingly, yes, Dempsey's name is still floating around with a deal surrounding the American international appearing to be in place. The deal reportedly sends Charlie Adam and $8-10 million to Fulham in a straight swap plus cash deal for Dempsey. While this rumor has been hanging around for awhile, it appears to still be on, but rather, just put on the back burner while LFC conduct other business.

The American set a country record for most goals scored by an American in the Premier League all-time and in a single season, contributing 17 goals for the southwest London club. While Dempsey, himself, may not be the sole piece of the puzzle needed, he certainly can't hurt for the right price.

2. Theo Walcott—Currently at Arsenal FC

Theo's case is a little trickier than the other names being linked around with Liverpool. Both Walcott and Arsenal have remained very coy about the subject, with the majority of rumors being brought up on Twitter and other LFC-related fan pages and websites. However, these rumors do appear to have some concrete business with them, as even some newspapers are beginning to pick up the story. Is it very likely that Walcott joins the Anfield side? Not extremely. But is it possible? Definitely.

3. Cristian Tello—Currently at Barcelona CF

Tello's case is another interesting one that fits alongside Walcott's. Tello is currently in the process of negotiating a new contract with the Catalan side, but the uncertainty of first-team football is keeping him at bay. While it's reported the Barcelona B midfielder would much rather stay in Spain, the possibility of more money and more playing time may indeed attract him to England on season-long loan.

4. Nuri Sahin—Currently at Real Madrid CF

Nuri Sahin is another exciting name being linked with the Reds of Liverpool. The only problem is, Liverpool isn't the only destination he's being linked to. With Arsenal hot on the prowl for the young gun, Liverpool will have to act fast if they want to secure his signature on season-long loan.

5. Gaston Ramirez—Bologna FC

Ramirez is one name that is still being linked to Liverpool without any belief of consistent progress. Ramirez is certainly quite the young talent, and having linked up with Uruguayan teammate and Liverpool star Luis Suarez at the Olympic games, many supporters were hoping to see the two link up at Anfield come this fall. However, with no progress reported, it seems that Liverpool fans will just have to wait and see on this one.

Summary

With all the names that are being linked with Liverpool alongside those that have already joined up, it's very possible that the Liverpool side fight with a new spirit and a new tactical sort of domination. While Borini and Allen may not be the only answers needed, they are a great start and should Liverpool secure the services of one or two of the other above mentioned names, they will certainly threaten to crack the top four and potentially bring home some silverware as well. Until then though, the rightfully hopeful Kopites will just have to wait and see.