Liverpool Must Move Transfer Mountains for Chelsea Goalkeeper Petr Cech

Two days before Christmas and if Brendan Rodgers were to write a wishlist to Santa, his No. 1 request should be to sign a quality goalkeeper this January—quite simply, doing so or not could be the difference between Liverpool finishing in the top four.

You cannot underestimate how important it is for Liverpool to strengthen the position.

The current situation, with Brad Jones currently taking the place of Simon Mignolet for what Rodgers has described as an indefinite period, is farcical.

Jones is not a better option to Mignolet, no matter the problems Mignolet has faced this season.

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Brad Jones has faced 8 shots on target in his 2 Premier League games this season, conceding 5 goals in the process. pic.twitter.com/3ZQyv4W0H8

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 21, 2014"

The 32-year-old backup has looked out of his depth in the three fixtures that he's featured in; collapsing prematurely for Juan Mata's shot before Robin van Persie's goal at Old Trafford; allowing the ball to go easily underneath him at Bournemouth; and failing to even attempt to tip over Mathieu Debuchy's header against Arsenal.

Of Arsenal's two goals at Anfield on Sunday, by my reckoning Mignolet saves at least one of those. For all the Belgian's faults, he's still a far better shot stopper than Jones.

Rodgers' decision to play Jones instead is a very debatable one, and possibly a political move ahead of the transfer window. Is he attempting to show the club's owners how much he needs a keeper in January?

Cech

With Liverpool's need for a new goalkeeper blatantly clear, Rodgers is linked with numerous 'keepers from around Europe, not least Chelsea's Petr Cech.

The player's agent, Viktor Kolar, is quoted in The Mirror seemingly encouraging a move for his client: "Liverpool need to strengthen their position in goal and they know Petr will be available in the summer."

However, Kolar says "It’s unlikely Petr will leave Chelsea in the January transfer window. The club and coach want to keep him to help win the title."

Liverpool cannot afford to wait until the summer. They need to sign somebody in January, whether that be a permanent move or a loan deal until they can get somebody in long-term next summer.

Cech would be the perfect solution and Liverpool should be doing as much as possible to at least attempt to make it happen.

Rodgers' friendship with Jose Mourinho is one which doesn't sit well with some Liverpool supporters, but now is the time he needs to make use of it and somehow persuade the Portuguese to lend him Cech.

Clive Mason/Getty Images

An experienced, proven Premier League goalkeeper, who commands his defence, the area, claims crosses, is a top shot stopper and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. All Brendan's Christmases would come at once.

The knock-on effect of having a goalkeeper of Cech's calibre would be that Liverpool's defence as a unit would be improved, confident in the man behind them's capabilities and being organised from behind. Cech would push them out and bring the best from certain players.

Top-Four Chances

Signing Cech would immediately strengthen Liverpool's chances of getting in the top four, and with it Champions League qualification. Without signing a goalkeeper to improve the situation it's difficult to see how that will happen.

Given the increased financial lure of the Champions League next season (due to BT Sport's almost double TV rights deal, per The Guardian) it's essential Liverpool get back into Europe's elite competition, or they face falling further behind their rivals financially. The knock-on effect of not qualifying could be crippling.

That's why signing Cech, even if it means a high loan fee and big wages, would be financially sensible, for the long-term success of the club.

It's not an easy move, but that shouldn't mean Liverpool simply don't attempt it.