Five possible January signings that could reignite Liverpool’s push for the top four

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Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund)

While Liverpool’s goalkeeping problems have surfaced in recent weeks, the worries over their defence have been glaring ever since their title charge in 2014 was scuppered by an inability to keep the back door shut in key games. Furthermore, an injury crisis earlier in January led to what one might call a makeshift central defensive partnership featuring in that excruciating FA Cup draw at Exeter.

Kolo Toure is honest but ageing, Mamadou Sakho is wholly committed to the cause but is prone to amateurish defensive mistakes, Dejan Lovren has improved but not to anywhere near a degree of utter trustworthiness, Tiago Ilori is way short of match fitness and Martin Skrtel is not the comforting, commanding presence at the back that Liverpool so desperately need. The Reds urgently require someone who can take ownership of defensive duties, particularly when facing set pieces, with a corner for the opposition almost as good as a goal nowadays.

The potential answer to this problem is virtually staring Klopp in the face. Who better than a proven centre-back at the top level, with whom the manager has worked throughout his seven years at Borussia Dortmund, and who is out of favour with the Bundesliga club this season? Subotic ticks all the boxes in terms of an ideal January signing and his ditching by current Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel is mind-boggling. Also, at 27, he is at that perfect age of being experienced enough to be trusted and to give assurance where it is needed, but young enough to still be energetic when facing roving attackers.

Strong in the tackle, a calming presence in the heart of defence and man enough to take command in defensive situations, the Serbian should be a priority for Klopp and their durable relationship means he shouldn’t take a whole lot of convincing from the Liverpool boss.