Transfer Special: I've Finally Found What You Need

1. Defensive Midfield

Targets: Sven Bender, Morgan Schneiderlin, Stefan Reinartz

It seems like Lucas is regressing as the enforcer of the midfield. Ever since his hamstring injury two years ago, he's lost something. His tackles aren't as biting and usually end up as fouls, and even more often fouls result in yellow cards. He picked up 5 yellows in the first 8 games of the season. This may signal the end for him, and while he's become a cult hero after a rocky start to his Reds career, more and more fans have realized it may be time for him to go.

And so, with cash being pumped, we might have to dig in deep getting not only one, but two new defensive mids, at least one being what we all call "Champions League quality".

That's what Sven Bender gives you. He's one of Borussia Dortmund's best players, and this season, he's been the only ever present figure in an injury ravaged midfield. He can also play an attacking mid role, as well as on the wing. He'd be the more expensive midfield option, especially with his contract tying him to BVB until 2017.

Morgan Schneiderlin would be the opposite where money comes into play. He's part of a Southampton side that have risen from League 1 to the Championship to the PL, and he's played consistently well since joining the Saints from his local side in France in 2011.

He also has a contract tying him to the Saints until 2017, but likely the lure of Champions League football (if we make it, that is) and a chance to play on one of the most attractive teams in England would be enough to persuade him to come to Merseyside.

And then there's Stefan Reinartz, who plays at Sami Hyypia's Bayer Leverkusen. He's another one of Germany's solid young contingent, and at 25, he's won European Championships with both the U-18 and U-21 German international sides, and has made more than 110 appearances for Bayer. He's involved in the Champions League, but Bayer are set to be going home after a 4-0 loss to powerhouse PSG in the 1st leg of the round of 16.

With Sami's ties to Anfield, maybe we should put in a cheeky bid, hoping that our big Fin could give us a good word.

2. Winger

We've been lacking a decent winger for years. We tried to solve this problem with some guy named Stewart Downing, but that memory might bring some nightmares for us and for him. For now, we've trotted out young phenom Raheem Sterling, who has done very well for himself in the past few months. However, width is still a problem we could use our extra money to solve, as depth is an issue.

Targets: Marco Reus, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Andriy Yarmolenko

Yevhen Konoplyanka was the latest of many players to make Kopites everywhere sharpen pitchforks and form an angry mob at the homes of both John Henry and Ian Ayre. Then it came out that the president of Dnipro refused to sign off on the transfer, despite a fee and contract being agreed.

And maybe that means that we wouldn't be able to go in for him in the summer, with the club not wanting to deal with us after a debacle of that magnitude.

Both he and Andriy Yarmolenko tore apart the United States defense in the last International friendly. They've both been heavily linked with us in the past, with fans wanting both of them instead of just the one.

Marco Reus would be a dream signing, a player who can operate both on the wing and up front. He's been linked to England before, and although he's stated that he's happy with Dortmund, it seems like just a matter of time before he makes a move.

He's definitely the "Champions League quality" we'll be looking for, and surely is a player that could make any team much better. It's great enough having the SAS in the team, but with Marco added into the bargain? Defenses should save themselves the time and just stay home.

3. Wing backs, (left & right)

Targets: DeAndre Yedlin, Luke Shaw, Micah Richards

Glen Johnson has been the epitome of "hot and cold" lately, with his hot streaks being very hot, and cold streaks absolutely horrendous. The lack of in-between means that fans and critics alike have begun to see him as a liability, and as such, a player to be replaced.

DeAndre Yedlin may be a bit young to be a starter (he's 20) but he could could be one for the future and serve as ample back up for Jon Flanagan. With Martin Kelly looking like a bust with continued injury concerns, Yedlin could quickly become a starter if he proves himself at the highest level.

Luke Shaw is one of the best looking young left backs in the Premier League, and has seen interest from Chelsea and Man U. Despite being a year younger than Yedlin, he's established himself in the Southampton team, and even has one cap for England and 51 appearances for his club side.

Micah Richards has been linked with us for years, though a deal has failed to materialize. It's a bit of a stretch to be honest because Micah hasn't been able to get in the City team at all this year. Why would we want him? It makes little sense.

Other targets in various positions include Real Sociedad's Lucas Greizmann, Kevin Volland of Hoffenheim in Germany, and Lars Bender, who's with Stefan Reinartz at Bayer Leverkusen.