Liverpool seem so stuck in their ways that little has changed at Anfield in the two years Jurgen Klopp has been at the helm.

The Reds have proven season after season they have the firepower to compete with the Premier League’s best.

But defensively it is another story as they have failed to address their long-standing issues at the back which continue to undermine them.

If they were to shore things up, Klopp’s men could have realistic title ambitions but as long as they keep shipping goals the top four is probably all they will achieve.

What do Liverpool need in January?

Starting at the back, Liverpool are crying out for a commanding goalkeeper who can stamp his authority on the No 1 jersey.

The Reds have arguably lacked that since Pepe Reina’s departure and concerns are always raised about Simon Mignolet and Klopp does not seem to fancy Loris Karius.

In defence the Reds need an equally impressive centre-half - someone who can pair with Joel Matip and command the back four.

Dejan Lovren has been the target of much criticism this season and Ragnar Klavan has never looked up to much and is a squad player at best.

Moving into midfield, the Reds look disjointed and could do with a defensive-minded player to bring balance to the team.

Jordan Henderson and Emre Can have both been tasked with fulfilling the role this season but it is not their best position and it shows.

Who should Liverpool sign in January?

In goal Klopp should look no further than Germany international Timo Horn.

The 24-year-old is one of the most highly-regarded goalkeepers in the Bundesliga and could soon be on the lookout for a move.

Cologne are having a shocking campaign and sit nine points adrift at the bottom of the table, meaning he could be tempted by a January exit.

If not, he is definitely one for the summer and is highly unlikely to be content playing football in Germany’s second tier next season.

At the heart of defence Leonardo Bonucci has to be a consideration for the Reds amid reports he is unhappy at AC Milan.

The Italy international has not enjoyed the success he would have expected at the San Siro this season following their huge summer spending spree.

However, they could have to go through Chelsea to get him, with Antonio Conte linked with the centre-half as a possible replacement for David Luiz.

In midfield William Carvalho would be a shrewd signing and could fulfil a vital role in front of the back four for Klopp.

A deal for the Portugal international is also likely to be straightforward as he is understood to have a £40m buy-out clause.

The 25-year-old is said to be keen on the Premier League, having previously been linked with Arsenal and West Ham, and has also reportedly turned down offers to go to China in recent months.

Who will Liverpool probably sign in January?

A move for Virgil van Dijk could be back on the cards providing Southampton are willing to do business.

The Reds failed in their attempts to sign the Dutchman over the summer and were forced to back off over tapping-up allegations.

The former Celtic man is known to want a move to Anfield after handing in a formal transfer request earlier in the year so it is possible the deal could be revived.

Stefan De Vrij is another deal that looks like it could have legs with the defender pushing for an exit at Lazio.

The Dutchman is out of contract in the summer, meaning the Serie A side could be tempted into selling in January in order to cash in.

He could be a suitable alternative in case a deal for Van Dijk is unable to be reached.

And Lazio’s president Claudio Lotito has claimed this month the club will not stand in De Vrij’s way should he demand an exit.

Who will Liverpool lose in January?

Philippe Coutinho is the obvious candidate to go in January with Barcelona still interested in the Brazil international.

The Catalan side are expected to return with a renewed offer next month and are certainly not short on cash following Neymar’s £200m departure to Paris Saint-Germain.

Barca also know Coutinho wants the move and could put pressure on the Reds once again with a transfer request which failed in the summer.

Daniel Sturridge is another player who could be heading for the exit door as he continues to be overlooked by Klopp.

The 28-year-old is firmly behind Roberto Firmino in the pecking order and has started just five games in all competitions this term.

If he has serious ambitions of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad next summer he desperately needs more game time.

And a switch to the likes of West Ham could provide him with a platform to kick on in the second half of the season.

Who do Liverpool need to get rid of in January?

As it seems increasingly unlikely that Emre Can will sign a new deal, offloading the Germany international in January would be wise.

His departure could free up funds for a defensive-minded midfielder and prevent him leaving for nothing in the summer.

The Reds are also well stocked in the central positions and need to make room for Naby Keita’s imminent arrival from RB Leipzig next season.

Also in the firing line could be Danny Ings and Lazar Markovic, both of whom have been gathering dust at Anfield.

Ings is back from injury and desperately needs game time - something he will not get as long as Firmino remains fit.

And Klopp has never taken a fancy to Markovic and has admitted he is free to leave after failing to find a loan deal for the Serbia international in the summer.