LFC: Who's In and Who's Out January 2014 (Updated)

In:

Full Back

Liverpool have found it relatively difficult so far this season to place a regular full back. Johnson has struggled to find some of his previous form, although his Right back position looks fine for now. The left back spot has been tried and tested by many of Liverpool's defenders this season, including Agger, Sakho, Flanagan, Cissokho, and the list goes on. Rodgers may be looking to add to his full back list, with the center half pairing of Agger and Skrtel not giving Rodgers any problems in that aspect. 

Ryan Bertrand (24,Chelsea,LB)

Ryan Bertrand's game time under Mourinho has been few and far between this season. Even since the dip in form of Ashley Cole, Bertrand hasn't been given the game time he deserves, and this has alerted Rodgers into making a move for the 24 year old. Not tons of experience to show for, and the likes of Enrique to come back from injury in the near future, Bertrand might not be a priority as of yet for Brendan.

Martin Montoya (22,Barcelona,Right Back)

With Kelly slowly recovering from the horrific injury he suffered and Johnson struggling to find form of late, Rodgers could look to the transfer market for a right back, and Montoya has come up on many people's news feeds the past couple of months. Montoya has found it hard to break into the Barcelona starting XI, with fellow countryman and LFC target Marc Bartra being given all the chances before him. Recent rumors have surfaced that a new deal for the big man is stalling, which could force Rodgers' hand this month.

Ashley Cole (33,Chelsea,LB)

Another Chelsea player on Liverpool's transfer list, and i don't think they could come as surprising as this. Most of you will look at this laughing their heads off and others will think about it for a while, and say to themselves that a cheeky bid for the out of favor England international might not be the end of the world. Rodgers may look at loaning Cole till the end of the season, to give Liverpool that push they need for a Champions League place. It might not be a bad idea, especially since the left back himself has come out and spoken of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Center Midfield

Every transfer window passes by, and i do not remember a time when i haven't included a center midfielder in my transfer blogs. With Jordan Henderson excelling this season, and the normal trio of Lucas, Gerrard and Coutinho going by smoothly, it would be hard to think why we do need a new signing in that position. Yet we all know that our captain fantastic cannot go on forever and we need to look closely at who could take that role in his stride, without the added pressure. Some might say we have the replacement right in our team, Jordan Henderson. I agree, but Rodgers will still look to the transfer market and hope to bring in a Center Midfielder who can provide a challenge for places.

Yohan Cabaye (27, Newcastle)

Yohan Cabaye is quickly reaching the peak of his career, and at 27, he might be looking to push a move to a bigger club soon. The French powerhouse is proving his worth this season, scoring some spectacular goals, including one against Liverpool. That has attracted the attention of Rodgers, among others. With his price tag at 22 mil, will Rodgers break the bank for the French international?

Will Hughes (18, Derby)

If i would place a bet on naming Liverpool's first January signing, i would put it on this kid. Rumors and papers everywhere calling it a done deal already, with Rodgers having the first option to buy the Derby midfielder. Hughes has impressed at both Championship and International level, and it looks likely that Liverpool have got their man. It is far too early to state whether he is the man to replace Gerrard in the future, but it would definitely not be a bad signing for the reds.

Juan Mata (25, Chelsea)

Ever since i have read the rumor of Mata leaving Chelsea and Liverpool being interested, i haven't stopped dreaming of him joining the reds. An attacking line up that includes Mata, Coutinho, Sturridge and Suarez is one that wins you titles, and i think Mata will relish in that attacking midfielder role just behind Luis. The only hitch being that Mourinho won't sell to an English team, so the only possible outcome would probably have to be a loan deal for now. Stranger things have happened though, and this is one to look out for.

Winger/Striker

You can say the goals have been rattling in this season, with the strike partnership of SAS proving a delight for Brendan Rodgers, including the recent form of young Sterling. With Sturridge's injury in December giving us some worry, I still reckon, even with him fit, that we need another world class striker. To win Premier League titles a good squad is a must, and competition for places is always healthy for any club. Rodgers will look to his American owners to give him some cash, and with John Henry and co. looking enthusiastic about how the reds are playing this season, they just might spend a quid or two.

M. Salah (21, Basel, Winger)

If you believe all the rumors spreading about Salah's future, he would have traveled halfway through the world the past couple of weeks. Rumors have been flying that a deal to bring Salah to Merseyside is done. Although Rodgers has stated no deal is yet imminent, we could see a 7 million move for the pacy winger finalized sooner rather than later. I doubt he is that marquee signing that is needed from Rodgers, but a lot of good has been said of the Egyptian.

Diego Costa (25,A.Madrid,Striker)

If you want to signal your intent for the title, this attacking powerhouse would definitely help. Diego Costa has been on fire this season, surpassing the likes of Ronaldo and Messi in goals, it comes to no wonder why a lot of the top European clubs want to buy him in January. With Arsenal bidding in the region of 32 million for the Brazilian, i cannot see a 35-40 million bid from Rodgers going wrong,especially for class like this. 

Cristian Tello (22,Barca,Winger)

Another of Barcelona's youngsters on Rodgers list, Tello has found it hard to break into Barca's starting 11, and with their current striker force, it is not too easy to. Rumors are spreading that a loan deal for the player has been agreed between the two clubs. Nothing concrete as of yet though, but we might be seeing the pace and trickery of Tello in a red shirt very soon indeed.

Konstant Mitroglou (25,Olympiakos,Striker)

Konstant Mitroglou's goal scoring stats are simply unbelievable. The Greek forward is a goal poaching machine, which is no surprise to see the current interest for him from big clubs. With 17 goals in 15 games this season, Mitroglou might relish the thought of linking up with deadly Luis Suarez. With a fee of 12 million being discussed, an offer might not be such a bad thing for Brendan Rodgers to ponder.

Out:

Iago Aspas (Loan)

It seems like just yesterday that Aspas joined the club, but recent performances have showed us why that could prove a mistake in the future. A loan deal may not be the end of the world for the Spaniard, which might free up some space for a striker to come in, and also give Aspas some game time he needs. If that does not come and the performances keep on, we might see the last of Iago Aspas very soon.

Joe Allen (Sell)

Roll back the clock to Allen's first couple of games in a red shirt last season, and people were calling him the next big thing. Now though, Joe Allen is proving game after game why he is just not cut out for a big club like Liverpool. He doesn't seem to influence the game attacking wise as the likes of Coutinho and Gerrard do, and when he gets in the box, he squanders a lot of the chances given to him on a plate. I do not think Rodgers will sell him in January, but with the center of midfield right now proving the hardest of the lot to break into, Joe Allen might think about his chances come the end of the season.

Raheem Sterling (Loan)

I, for one, do not agree with this one bit. Raheem has shown us the talent we were expecting from him as a youngster. I do not think a loan would do any good. Us buying a world class winger or striker this month though, would change a lot. Raheem might then want to get some game time, and loaning him out might be for his benefit. I still think that keeping him and letting him fight for his place is what's best.

Jon Flanagan (Loan)

Flanno has proved a lot of his doubters wrong. A lot of fans (including me) were starting to think that the young lad may be not cut out to wear the famous red shirt. Since then he has been given a chance, and that is what a lot of these youngsters need. It looks set to be a tussle between him and Enrique as to who will be given that LB spot. If we do go in the market for one, then i feel it is best to loan out Flanagan till the end of the season, and watch him come back a better player next season.

As the rumor mill keeps on turning and more targets start to emerge, Rodgers and his staff will have to think hard and long about the future of the club. With Liverpool currently sitting at 4th place with a European spot in their grasp, January is a pivotal moment in the season. Buying well is what is needed, and if done so, we can start booking our much awaited plane tickets to see Liverpool away in the UEFA Champions League come next season. With Brendan Rodgers in charge, i have no doubt it will be proven successful. 

Who will Liverpool break the bank to sign this month? 

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