Liverpool Transfers: 8 January Signings to Reach the Champions League

As we approach the halfway point of the season, Liverpool are currently fifth in the Premier League table, five points off a Champions League spot.

The Reds invested heavily in the summer on a clutch of midfielders, as well as left-back Jose Enrique.

Despite that, they have lacked consistency this season, especially at home.

As such, the Reds may have to dip into the transfer market again in January in order to boost their hopes of returning to the Champions League.

Here are eight players they could target.

Alex

The big Chelsea defender recently had a transfer request accepted by the Blues and will almost certainly follow Nicolas Anelka out of Stamford Bridge next month.

The 29-year-old Brazilian is a tough, powerful customer who is good in the air and can strike a mean free-kick.

With Jamie Carragher often suffering from injury problems and Sebastian Coates really one for the future, Liverpool could do with another experienced centre-back in their squad.

Jan Vertonghen

The big Belgian centre-back is part of the exciting crop of young Belgian players scattered across Europe.

The 24-year-old was linked with moves to Liverpool and Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but for the time being he remains an Ajax player.

Now in his sixth season with the Dutch giants, Vertonghen is also handy in the opposition box. Last season he scored six goals in the Eredivisie, and he already has three to his name this term.

Simon Poulsen

Reds fans may shudder at the mere mention of the name Poulsen following midfielder Christian's poor single season at Anfield last term.

However, AZ Alkmaar left-back Simon is a very different prospect. The 27-year-old can play as a winger, but is used in defence for the current Dutch league leaders.

As such, his attacking instincts would make him an ideal signing to provide competition for Jose Enrique's place. 

Cheik Tiote

Liverpool were hit by a huge blow last week when midfielder Lucas Leiva was ruled out for the season after damaging an anterior cruciate ligaments in his left knee.

The Brazilian had been in fine form as he excelled in the Reds midfield. He broke up attacks and marked opposition danger men.

For all the talent they have in midfield Liverpool now lack an enforcer in the centre of the park, something which Tiote has been since joining Newcastle at the start of last season.

Sandro

Another domineering midfielder with Premier League experience, Sandro is reportedly frustrated at his lack of first-team action at Tottenham this season.

The 22-year-old looks as though he has all the ingredients to be a top player, and his performances across the two leg of Spurs' Champions League quarterfinal win over Milan last season won him many admirers.

Liverpool may have lost one Brazilian midfield general, but they are reported to be considering covering for Lucas's absence by signing another. 

Milos Krasic

After proving such a big hit in Italy last season upon signing for Juventus, Krasic's career has really gone backwards.

Under Antonio Conte's management the Serbian winger has fallen out of favour, making only six Serie A appearances so far this season.

However, the 27-year-old remains a hugely talented player with plenty of pace and skill, and would provide Liverpool with another quality attacking option to help take the pressure off Luis Suarez.

Hugo Rodallega

Despite boasting Luis Suarez among their ranks, Liverpool have struggled for goals this season.

They have scored just 18 times in the lead so far this season. Stoke are the only side in the top 10 to have scored fewer.

With Andy Carroll still struggling to justify his exorbitant £35 million fee, Liverpool may turn to long-term target Rodallega in an effort to boost their attacking options.

Roberto Soldado

Rodallega may be a decent striker, but he is yet to score this season in 10 appearances for Wigan Athletic.

Soldado is having no such problems at Valencia. The forward is in the form of his life, netting nine goals in 15 appearances in La Liga and another five in the Champions League.

With David Villa injured and Fernando Torres seemingly rooted to the Chelsea bench these days, Soldado has the opportunity to make his mark for Spain. He may look at Torres's success at Liverpool and be tempted into a move to Merseyside.