Liverpool FC: January Transfer Targets Who Are Ready to Sign

People form their own opinions on what Liverpool are missing in their starting 11 in order to make them an improved side. People may think that we have a good enough first team but need better squad players in order to succeed. Maybe you think we don't need to change a thing.

Whatever your opinion, I think there are defensive issues at Anfield, particularly at centre-back, that need addressing, and reasonable transfers could be done this January to rectify the situation.

Daniel Agger is a quality defender with a desire to bring the ball forward rather than hoofing it down the pitch. An admirable trait, but Agger seems to struggle with little knocks and injuries on a consistent basis, making him somewhat of a concern in terms of reliability. Liverpool need to keep him but need to have a similar standard of ability as cover.

Jamie Carragher has been and still is a fantastic servant to Liverpool football club and will perhaps go down in the hall of fame listings as one of our greatest defenders. We all know that time catches up with everyone though, and Carragher is no different. Fortunately for Carragher, he was never blessed with great pace which means his staying power might be a little longer than expected in his latter years. However, a long\-term replacement needs to be sought and groomed for the Premier League now.

Martin Skrtel is definitely the weakest defender of our centre-backs. I don't know whether it was his debut own goal that put me off, or if it has been his performances since. I'm just never that impressed with him on the pitch, and he seems to be bullied more than Carragher and Agger. I would be quite unruffled if Skrtel was to be transferred, and I don't think Liverpool would miss him at all. The only thing in his favour is his ability to stay injury-free, which seems a rare trait in the modern game.

I know that Sebastian Coates will be mentioned in the chat area after this article is posted, but since he is new to the club, the Premier League and the country, I don't feel he has had enough pitch time to really make a fair assessment of how he will fit in or what his strengths and weaknesses are. Hopefully he will be the long-term solution to Jamie Carragher.

So all that said and done, I think Liverpool could do worse than to look at these two players as potential January signings to enhance our back line.

Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers and England

I'm sick of hearing his name on these countdown lists as well, but you can't deny that Cahill is a genuine possible transfer in terms of his availability from Bolton and as well as his proven ability to play well in the Premier League. His English nationality makes him even more desirable considering the home-grown rule that was implemented by the Premier League.

Having made a name for himself leading the defensive line at mid-table scrappers Bolton, the one thing that always impresses me about Cahill is his consistency. We never hear of him making huge mistakes in a game or making terrible tackles requiring disciplinary action. He quietly goes about his business of putting in tough, gritty performances whilst staying out of the headlines for the wrong reasons. That is something that Liverpool fans want out of a player as it creates a much better harmony in the dressing room.

I think Cahill alongside Carragher for a season or two would see his positional play evolve dramatically, and meanwhile Coates would develop in the wings ready for Carragher's retirement. With Agger fighting for his place with those two, Liverpool would have a strong central defensive unit in front of Pepe Reina.

I expect Bolton to request at least £15 million for his services.

Ryan Shawcross, Stoke City and England U21's

Stoke City know they have a strong centre-back in Ryan Shawcross, and he's another who has been linked with Liverpool before. Much like Cahill, Shawcross has good attributes and is the right age for our team, considering the current transfer policy for investment.

Stoke now have more options at centre-back with the experienced signings of Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson joining the ranks alongside Robert Huth. The options they can now call upon could mean they will be willing to discuss the sale of Shawcross, but Liverpool will surely have to pay between £15-20 million to even tempt Stoke to listen. Again, Shawcross could learn alongside Carragher and would be instantly ready for life in the Premier League.

I know Liverpool have further options at CB such as Martin Kelly, but Dalglish seems to favour him in the right-back role, perhaps solely to keep the pressure on Glen Johnson.

Either of these two signings would mark a great defensive leap forward for the club, and perhaps we could pick up a clean sheet or two along the way.

Follow me on twitter @petercwebster