Five defensive signings that could save Liverpool’s season

After Liverpool (odds-on at 4/7 with Coral to finish outside the top four) leaked three goals away to West Ham United, and slumped to their third defeat in five Premier League outings, Brendan Rodgers is expected to dip in to the January sales.

However, despite their clear rearguard shortcomings, Rodgers’ Reds are still being overwhelmingly linked with making moves for further attacking additions.

Here, Coral writers instead take a look at the options available to reinforce a shaky Liverpool defence this winter.

Victor Valdes
Currently sidelined with a knee injury, out-of-contract former Barcelona stopper Valdes is available on a free and has been mooted to arrive at Anfield once he has returned to fitness.

The pressure has been piled on current first-choice goalie Simon Mignolet, who has never really looked assured when protecting the posts for Liverpool, with Rodgers stating: “I think Simon is a bit laid back. The key thing is to make sure you are on the front foot and aggressive.”

If Mignolet does not heed his coach’s warning, he could find himself benched in favour of the decorated and feisty Catalan keeper, who would bring the Reds a wealth of experience.

Fabian Schar
The Basel centre back is an asset at both ends of the pitch, having netted three times in eight caps for Switzerland. Set piece menace Schar is still just 22, but the highly-rated defender has already represented his nation at the World Cup, and will face Liverpool in Champions League Group B, when fans will be able to take a closer look.

Schar has been linked with a host of elite European teams, including injury-plagued Arsenal and their north London rivals Tottenham, but there is still time for Rodgers to pip his peers to the post and snap up the talented Swiss star.

Joe Hart
With under two years left on his contract, Manchester City stopper Hart may be considering his future. Despite a shaky season last campaign, the England number one recently illustrated why he is still worthy of a place in the Sky Blues’ starting XI, with a series of sensational saves against Bayern Munich.