Liverpool Transfers: 5 Bold Predictions for Deadline Day at Anfield

After a busy and exciting start to the transfer window this summer, Liverpool's activity has eased off considerably over the past few weeks.

Simon Mignolet, Iago Aspas, Kolo Toure and Luis Alberto arrived at the club early on, but despite some high-profile departures such as Jonjo Shelvey, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll, further additions have not yet been forthcoming.

There is little doubt the Reds still want to boost their squad with a couple more signings—so here's what we might see on transfer deadline day, or just before.

Central Defender Arriving

Despite the arrival of Kolo Toure, it was widely acknowledged that Brendan Rodgers was after another central defender.

There was the pursuit of centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos, rumours surrounding Thiago Ilori courtesy of David Maddock at the Mirror, and Rodgers' own comments that the position still needed strengthening.

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We've got money to spend on getting that quality in, but if it's not available I won't waste it for the sake of bringing a player in. We're really working hard to bring in the type of profile that can really help us push on. We just need to see if that's available and affordable.

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Now, Sebastian Coates' long-term injury and an apparent opening offer for Martin Skrtel from Napoli, via BBC, and it seems the Reds are likely to need to bring someone in.

Will it be the Greek Beast? Fans might hope so, in the main, but the Reds will have to keep their options open to complete a late deal.

A Late Bid for Suarez Is Rejected

The summer-long saga over a possible Luis Suarez transfer away from Liverpool looks to be coming to an end, with the Reds' stance scaring off interested parties.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted defeat in the Suarez chase, saying to the BBC there was "absolutely no chance" of the Uruguayan joining the Gunners.

Even so, Suarez will be kicking his heels until the transfer deadline day has come and gone, as he continues to see out his suspension—so don't be surprised to see Real Madrid, or Monaco, or any other big-hitter with cash still burning a hole in their pockets, to put in a sneaky late £50 million for the forward.

And for it to be summarily rejected.

A Failed Bid for a Wide Attacker

The Reds are also in the market for a wide forward to complement the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, but seem to have missed out on some of their first options.

Willian is the latest name that Liverpool were linked with, though he now seems Spurs-bound according to the BBC.

Even so, there remains hope that the Reds will find the signing that manager Brendan Rodgers wants, who can add goals, pace and an all-round threat to an already fluid and exciting attack.

If it doesn't happen before deadline day though, don't expect this signing to arrive on the day itself. Liverpool might bid, they might even bid big, but if teams don't have the chance to re-spend the huge income on a replacement, it's unlikely that the Reds will convince the selling team to part with their man.

Still, it's fun to think for an hour or two that the club could look to make a marquee signing in a race against the clock.

Rumours to Be Scotched of Interest in Phil

A scary thought for Liverpool fans now.

After only eight or nine months at the club, other teams will already be looking at Brazilian magician Philippe Coutinho and be thinking, "why didn't we get him?!"

Having cost just £8.5 million or so from Inter Milan, Liverpool could easily double and probably treble their return on him if they chose to cash in—but their team would be markedly poorer for it, and they won't find a direct replacement.

There's bound to be one or two rumours of clubs hoping to tempt Liverpool into selling him on before he has to perform at his high level for an entire season, and the Reds will have to quickly rebuff those rumours to reassure supporters that Coutinho is at Anfield to stay.

Win over United to Convince Rodgers He Has Enough to Not Worry About Failed Bids

The day before the transfer window shuts, Liverpool face Manchester United at Anfield.

It's a big game, perhaps all the bigger for it being the first of the post-Alex Ferguson era for the away side, and the Reds will as always be desperate to take three points off their rivals.

It's also far too early to possibly call a result—but this is no place for tame, tepid predictions, these are bold predictions, so we're opting for a good performance and a Liverpool victory. That result will show Brendan Rodgers that his squad has enough quality and quantity to compete.

Rodgers might already have the aforementioned bids for defenders and attackers in mind or in place, but he won't be overly concerned if they fall through, with this important win giving him conviction in the ability of the squad.

Of course, United have their own business to attend to before deadline day, so both squads could be significantly different by then anyway...

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