Liverpool’s decent progress was halted somewhat by their 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers at Anfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
In comparison to the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham, the result is not that bad considering the Reds are still in the hat for the fifth round.
But the way in which they failed to take a host of chances in front of their home fans will be of concern to Brendan Rodgers, who witnessed a similar story in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea last midweek.
The return of Daniel Sturridge cannot come soon enough but with the forward having been sidelined for almost five months, it is clear Liverpool cannot afford to pin all their hopes on him.
Some new additions may well come in handy before the close of the transfer window; perhaps those with a similar shock factor to the deal which saw Andy Carroll make a deadline day switch to Anfield in 2011.
Here we have identified five surprise deals that could still come off for the Reds before the deadline.
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Click on Brendan Rodgers to reveal the 5 ‘surprise’ deals Liverpool could seal this January.
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Fabian Delph
Reports suggest Fabian Delph is set to leave Aston Villa this month rather than at the end of the season as had been previously expected.
The struggling West Midlands outfit are willing to accept an offer of £4 million for the England international, which could see Liverpool make their move early.
Brendan Rodgers is planning for life without Steven Gerrard next season and has identified the 25-year-old as someone who can challenge for a place in the heart of the Liverpool midfield.
James Milner
An alternative to Delph perhaps, Manchester City star James Milner finds himself in a similar contract situation at the Etihad Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers has often spoken of his admiration for ‘multi functional players’ and Milner definitely falls into that category.
The England man is able to play in a number of positions with quality whilst he also boasts leadership skills and Premier League experience.
Rodgers may well try and force through a cut price deal as close to the deadline as possible, rather than waiting to try and sign him on a free in the summer.
Matthew Ryan
There has been a slight improvement from Simon Mignolet lately, who has managed four clean sheets in six games since his return to the first team.
However, very few Liverpool fans see the Belgian as the long-term number one solution at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers has been urged to sign a new goalkeeper this month and Australian number one Matthew Ryan has emerged as a surprise target.
Ryan is currently in Belgium with Club Brugge and whilst relatively unknown, he has been a consistent performer for club and country for some time.
Reports today claim he is keen to force through a move to Anfield to challenge for that number one shirt before the window shuts.
Ezequiel Lavezzi
The Argentine international was linked with a £16 million move to Anfield in the summer with some reports suggesting the deal was in place until PSG pulled the plug on a deal to sign Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid.
Lavezzi is still keen for a move with first team opportunities in the French capital limited. But at 29, does he fit the clubs philosophy of signing young players with potential to develop?
Lavezzi would be considered more of a quick fix signing but with PSG eager to do business for a cut-price £8 million, Rodgers could well be bringing another maverick forward to Anfield.
Stevan Jovetic
Stevan Jovetic has been a Liverpool target going back to the days of Rafael Benitez. The Reds were disappointed to lose out to Manchester City on his signature in the summer of 2013 but now may be as good an opportunity to get their man as ever.
City have just splashed £28 million on Wilfried Bony which will surely see Jovetic move back down to third/fourth choice in the pecking order.
City are under pressure to comply by the rules of Financial Fair Play whilst Jovetic wants first team football himself. This could well be a deal that works for everyone.
