Liverpool supporters in the Transfer Tavern have once again been bemoaning their side’s defensive frailties after seeing the Reds throw away a three-goal lead to only draw 3-3 with Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday night, thus having to wait to book their place in the last 16 of the competition.

Jurgen Klopp’s men went into their penultimate group stage clash off the back of four straight wins in all competitions, in which time they had conceded just the one goal. And the Merseyside giants looked on course for a fifth victory on the spin as they raced to a 3-0 lead at half time thanks to a brace from Roberto Firmino and a strike from Sadio Mane, only for things to go horribly wrong after the break. A Wissam Ben Yedder brace got the Spanish side right back into the contest after an hour, but they had to wait until the 93rd minute to snatch a point through Guido Pizarro.

Thus, there are many disappointed and frustrated Liverpool fans in the Tavern at present wondering exactly how their team have failed to win at Sevilla on Tuesday night, a result which leaves them a point away from booking their spot in the Champions League knockout stages.

But many are already turning their attentions away from the football and towards the January transfer window, with several discussing a recent report which suggests that the Reds are keeping tabs on Sheffield United starlet David Brooks.

The 20-year-old only made his senior debut for the Blades back in August 2016 but has gone from strength to strength since then, with one goal and two assists in 15 Championship appearances this term propelling him into Chris Wilder’s regular first team plans.

And his excellent work in the Blades midfield has reportedly attracted the attention of Klopp and Liverpool, as well as Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham, and were the Reds able to land the Wales international in January, here are TWO other stars who could follow him to Anfield…

Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano spent three years at Liverpool between 2007 and 2010 as a quality defensive midfielder, and he has since gone on to become one of Europe’s best centre-backs in his time at Barcelona.

The Argentina international has played 331 games for the Spanish giants in the last seven years, in which time he has helped them to four La Liga titles, two Champions League crowns, and a whole host of other major trophies.

Yet the 33-year-old has been linked with a move back to Liverpool given that his contract is up in 2019, and given Liverpool’s evident defensive concerns, highlighted once more against Sevilla on Tuesday night, it’s a move Klopp may seek to make in the January window.

David Silva

Manchester City have been breath-takingly impressive in the Premier League so far this season, and David Silva has played a key part in that.

The Spain international has scored once and laid on eight assists in just 12 league appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side to help them to an eight-point lead at the summit, with the latter tally the highest of anyone in the English top-flight so far this season.

Yet the midfielder has been linked with a surprise move to Liverpool given that his contract is set to expire at the Etihad Stadium in 2019, and with no extension as of yet agreed.

And the Reds must seek to exploit that uncertainty when the window reopens in the New Year.