The Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern think that their defence needs a lot of work…

An explosive start to the season has been contrasted with a terrible start to 2017 – with the Reds seriously struggling in the Premier League over the last few weeks.

Nobody in the Liverpool first team has particularly impressed, but the Reds in the Transfer Tavern have been particularly concerned with their lack of defensive strength – particularly in the centre.

The duo of Lovren and Matip is, simply put, not good enough. Joel Matip has been a stellar acquisition, but with question marks still reigning over the head of Dejan Lovren – could Jurgen Klopp look to replace him?

Jurgen Klopp has experience of playing as a defender, and he will know exactly what to look for – but could one of these THREE be on his shopping list?

Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger might be just 23-years-old, but the young defender has already proven his quality.

Powerful, quick and technical – Rudiger is the complete centre-half.

He has struggled with injury lately, but with another few months under his belt with Roma – he should be able to prove his worth to Liverpool.

He will be a long-term solution for Klopp – and one that he should genuinely look at.

Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk might be on the shelf with an injury at present, but the defender should be fully fit by the time the summer comes around.

The defender is unique in that he is a top Premier League centre-half that is not playing with one of the top clubs in England, meaning that a move is inevitable. It also means that he could be available, and his Premier League experience could be absolutely invaluable.

Strong in the air, comfortable with the ball at his feet – he can do it all.

Kostas Manolas

Kostas Manolas is a defender in the prime of his career, and the Man Utd fans in the Transfer Tavern have touted him as the perfect defender for the Premier League.

Tall and powerful, Manolas would offer the perfect option alongside Joel Matip.

He is 25-years-old, and if Liverpool don’t snap him up – you can bet someone else will.