NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT examines what could happen at Liverpool during the January transfer window.
Jurgen Klopp's honeymoon period at Liverpool is well and truly over after his side came crashing down at Watford last weekend.
The German, who took over from Brendan Rodgers in October, will now have realised the full extent of his task on Merseyside.
Liverpool's form is stuttering as they try to chase the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United for a top-four finish this season.
Klopp's need to strengthen his squad in January is abundantly clear if the Reds are to fulfil ambitions of qualifying for next season's Champions League.
What do they need?
Simon Mignolet has come under intense scrutiny between the sticks because of a number of high-profile mistakes.
His competitor, Adam Bogdan, hasn't fared much better after a calamitous league debut for Liverpool saw him gift Watford an opening goal.
Klopp will surely be looking for an upgrade on the two in January.
Consistent injuries to the likes of Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho will also be of concern to the 48-year-old.
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| Could Liverpool sign a new goalkeeper in January? |
Liverpool continue to leak goals and their lack of a settled central defensive partnership is a major reason for that.
A solid central defender with a clean injury history wouldn't go amiss.
In midfield, the Reds look devoid of quality with Lucas and Joe Allen in particular failing to impress since Klopp took the reigns.
Liverpool need a commanding central midfielder who has the ability to unlock defences from deep.
Christian Benteke's form is a worry too, and Klopp may look to add a prolific goalscorer to the ranks next month.
How much can they spend?
There is money in the kitty for Klopp, who has insisted on choosing his own players to buy, but after a lavish spend in the summer, the last thing the Liverpool's owners will want is another wasted budget.
Who might they sign?
Young Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic is expected to complete his transfer from Red Star Belgrade before the new year.
The towering central midfielder is one of Europe's hottest properties but will not make an immediate first-team impact as he looks set to stay at Red Star on loan for the rest of the season.
Klopp's German connections have Liverpool linked with a number of Bundesliga players, including Borussia Dortmund centre-half Neven Subotic.
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| Joe Allen could leave in January |
The Serbian worked with Klopp at Dortmund and is recognised as one of the best defenders in Europe.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is another Dortmund player Klopp has sounded out to bring to Anfield.
He leads the Bundesliga scoring charts this year ahead of Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, and although he would demand a hefty price tag, his pace and ruthlessness in front of goal is exactly what Liverpool are missing.
Who could leave?
Allen's future at the club looks uncertain and he may be one of the first out of the door in January.
There have also been rumours that Chelsea are interested in taking Benteke off Liverpool's hands, although any deal there seems unlikely.
Lucas has attracted interest from Serie A in the last year, and after a string of below-par performances, Klopp may look to offload the Brazilian in favour of an upgrade.
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