Liverpool Transfer News: 5 Players Brendan Rodgers Should Go For on Deadline Day

Transfer deadline day is finally upon the Premier League and teams up and down the country will be scrabbling about for the final pieces of their seasonal jigsaw, with Liverpool in particular likely to add significant numbers to their ranks.

The Reds are hopeful of confirming three signings on Monday, as per ESPN, so Brendan Rodgers might already have played all his cards by this point.

But, if any of those bids fall through, the Reds will hope to have backup plans in place to push through late on. Here are five players they should be ready to move on: a replacement for each of the three almost-signed players and two additional options in key areas.

Mamadou Sakho or Benedikt Howedes

The Reds are on the verge of signing Mamadou Sakho as their first-team centre-back from Paris Saint-Germain, according to that ESPN report, with the left-footed French international expected to go straight into the side more or less.

A solid, pacy and strong defender, the Reds have been looking for someone of his ilk to partner Daniel Agger. Although Kolo Toure has done well so far, Sakho will likely be the starter for most of the season.

If the move for whatever reason fails to materialise, Liverpool should go all-in for Benedikt Howedes.

The real window of opportunity for the Schalke defender was in January, when he had just a few months left to run on his deal, but Schalke's poor start to the season might have given him enough reason to think the team isn't likely to improve further.

It would take a big bid, but Howedes is certainly worth the outlay.

Tiago Ilori or Eric Dier

Tiago Ilori should be another central-defensive addition, coming in to play a backup role from Sporting Lisbon.

A young defender, Ilori is likely one for the future rather than an immediate starter. An alternative to him would be current teammate Eric Dier.

Dier is part of the England youth setup and has been tracked by many Premier League clubs. He spent a spell on loan at Everton and would be a signing full of potential even if he didn't make a big impact straight off.

Victor Moses or Iker Muniain

A loan move for Victor Moses is expected to go through from Chelsea, though it is not clear if the Reds will have the option to buy him after the season.

If Chelsea have a late change of heart over the season-long loan, Liverpool should abandon all pretence and go huge for a true star in the making: Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muniain.

Capable of playing centrally or from the left, Muniain is a creative talent who can come infield to fashion chances or drive directly at goal with his excellent dribbling technique and powerful initial acceleration.

He needs to improve his goal output, but would really give Liverpool an impressive attacking third of the field over the course of the next season or two.

Will Hughes

Away from the rumoured deals now and into the land of mere speculation, Liverpool could do worse than opt to bring Will Hughes in this summer.

The England youth midfielder is a real talent in the Championship, combining a creative and technical approach with great combativeness and determination at times. He can play in a central midfield role or further forward as a No. 10.

Currently at Derby County, a buy-and-loan-back deal would suit all parties, giving Derby good funds and the use of their player for another season, but also securing one of England's better youngsters for the Reds for the future.

Ignacio Camacho

Liverpool might have kept three clean sheets on the spin, but there are still improvements that can be made defensively. One of those is to upgrade on Lucas Leiva's uncertain performances at defensive midfield—making Ignacio Camacho a perfect option.

The Malaga man is currently struggling with a back problem that might make a medical problematic, but his performances last season mark him as one of the few top defensive midfielders who have not yet sealed a move this summer.

Good in possession and solid and dependable in protecting his defence, Camacho might be attainable for the Reds given Malaga's difficult start to the season and financial worries. He would fill a big hole in the team both in terms of first-team XI strength and the squad depth in that position.

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