Liverpool Transfer Rumors: 7 Players To Make Reds Premier League Contenders

Despite holding the record for most league titles—18 at the time—at the English Premier League's inception in 1992, Liverpool have failed to register even a single championship since. 

Though the Reds have come close on several occasions, the Anfield faithful have had to endure season after season of league disappointment during the final, and arguably most important, stretch of the campaign. 

This has prompted fans and pundits alike to take a step back and question where exactly it has all gone wrong. Is it a matter of personnel, or have past managers simply been unable to rise to the challenge at the "business end" of the season?

Whatever the answer may be, there's no denying the fact that this current crop of Liverpool players, aided by the legendary Kenny Dalglish himself, appear to be just a few footballers short of becoming genuine title contenders this time around.

So without further ado, I present to you the seven players that could make the Reds English Premier League title contenders this season. 

Enjoy

(Side note: Seven players doesn't mean seven starters. Some of the players have been listed keeping squad depth and lineup rotation in mind.)

Mats Hummels

Bundesliga winner Mats Hummels has quickly established himself as one of Europe's most sought after defenders.

The German defender not only has the physical attributes to cut it in the English Premier League's tough playing style, but he can also play a killer long-ball pass deep from the back. This would be a plus point for the current Liverpool squad, as that tactic could be used quite effectively to get the best out of target man Andy Carroll. 

The fact that Hummels is only 22 essentially means the imposing defender would solve both the long and short term defensive dilemmas that Liverpool are facing—the declining form, and inevitable retirement of iconic defender Jamie Carragher will leave them short at the back. 

The fact that Hummels is also cup-tied in Europe, as he's already played for Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, also means that he's a player that would be well rested and raring to go every week during league encounters.

An asset as far as both squad rotation and sustaining energy goes, Hummels' arrival would make him a player that could potentially help Liverpool bring the English Premier League crown back to Anfield.

Stevan Jovetic

Montenegrin winger Steven Jovetic currently plies his trade in Italy with Fiorentina, where he's managed to become a fan favourite by way of some very impressive displays for the Viola. 

Ironically enough, this even includes a goal scored against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2009, in a game that Fiorentina went on to win 2-0.  

Jovetic would prove to be an asset for Liverpool in their hunt for the English Premier League crown for several reasons. He's extremely versatile, as he can operate on both flanks as well as behind the main striker.

He can deliver both a killer ball, and a pinpoint cross into the box—an obvious and much needed plus point for the Red's, as they still seem unable to use their £35 million target man, Andy Carroll, efficiently. 

Ignazio Abate

When compiling a list of players that could potentially help a team become genuine title contenders in their respective divisions, AC Milan's Ignazio Abate probably wouldn't end up being one of the names listed.

However, given Liverpool's problem of providing sufficient cover for the full-back positions when either Glen Johnson and/or Jose Enrique are unavailable, Abate's ability to alternate on either side would prove to be a real plus point as the season wears on. 

The 24-year-old, known for his speed and pinpoint crosses, plies his trade on the right side of AC Milan's defence.

Ignazio Abate's late-season surge over a year ago, which ultimately helped AC Milan win both the Serie A title as well as the domestic cup, means Abate knows his way around the "business end" of the season.

Riccardo Montolivo

There have probably been very few moments over Riccardo Montolivo's career when his commitment to the Viola was in question. With a contract approaching its expiry date, and with no sign of putting pen to paper, however, the time for departure seems to be approaching fast for the versatile Italian midfielder.

Riccardo Montolivo would provide Liverpool with that much needed burst of creativity from the midfield. His general vision and knack for playing the killer ball, coupled with his ability to get himself on the scoresheet, have put him high on many of the top European club's wish lists.

Considering Steven Gerrard's recent injury woes, coupled with the fact that the legendary Liverpool captain is fast approaching the twilight years of his career, it's safe to say Montolivo would be graciously welcomed by the Anfield faithful.

Montolivo's ability on the ball and in playing a pass would undoubtedly prove to be an asset in the hunt for the much alluded 19th league trophy for Liverpool. 

Toni Kroos

A similar sort of player to Riccardo Montolivo, Toni Kroos possesses both sublime vision, admirable dribbling skills and an impressive eye for goal.

The German midfielder has found opportunities hard to come by at Bayern Munich, making a potential transfer to the Reds more plausible. He's found himself competing with the likes of Thomas Muller, Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben for the role as attacking midfielder.

Kroos, though would have an easier time fitting into Liverpool's starting XI, as far as the league lineup is concerned, as he too would be cup-tied for European clashes, having already featured Munich earlier in the campaign. 

More importantly, his Bundesliga-winning experience during Bayern Munich's 2007-2008 campaign makes him a seasoned player at the age of just 21. His experience, then, would prove to be an asset during Liverpool's hunt for the English Premier League title. 

Moussa Sissoko

Though Moussa Sissoko may still be a player unheard of in England, football fans in France are all well aware of the imposing midfielders abilities.

For one thing, Sissoko is extremely versatile as he can operate all across the midfield, either as a defensive, central or even attacking midfielder.

It's best, then, to describe the sought after Frenchman as a box-to-box midfielder, and one who has got most observers of Ligue 1 raving. 

Liverpool would do well to acquire the player, who has been drawing comparisons with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

Though only 22 years of age, Sissoko's versatility means he could prove to be an absolute blessing in times of an injury crisis or energy dilemma— something the Reds will desperately want if they hope to launch a full scale attack on Manchester United's Premier League crown.

Fernando Llorente

Though supporters of most clubs generally don't tend to agree on every notion, word coming from all corners of Anfield suggests the Liverpool faithful are growing increasingly frustrated with Andy Carroll's subpar performances.

Fernando Llorente then would help rectify some of those shortcomings. Towering at 6' 5", the giant Spanish striker—boasting an impressive scoring record for a player from a "small club"—could provide the much needed target-man touch in the final third for the Reds.

Despite enduring one injury-plagued season in 2005, Llorente's general health record is pretty impressive, meaning he probably won't struggle with fitness as Andy Carroll continually seems to.

In moments of dire straits, where the game seems to either be heading towards a stale draw or shock loss, Liverpool could also throw in both Llorente and Carroll together and continually launch crosses into the box.

Though it may not be pretty, a team that could potentially be chasing the English Premier League title always needs a Plan B. Fernando Llorente might just be Liverpool's.

Agree or disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, or simple tweet/follow me @saqibddb