Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping this upcoming January window is better than the last one when it comes to signing some kind of defensive player.

Indeed, the Reds have been mesmerising up front this season, though the problem that’s held them back massively at the start of the season, according to our landlord, was not having a natural leader in the defence. A captain-type player at the back to organise the team into some form of shape really would make a huge difference, instilling confidence throughout the team.

Even though Jurgen Klopp has kept a familiar back four for the majority of the season, it doesn’t seem that they are showing signs of gelling. All that lends itself to the fact that Klopp’s style of play doesn’t help the defensive pairing much, with his all-out attacking style often leaving his defence wide open and prone to a swift counter-attack.

With that in mind, our punters have had a look round Europe and think these three defenders could fit the bill the German is looking for, to once again get Liverpool challenging for trophies…

Jose Gimenez

The Uruguayan is available on a free in the summer as his contract is due to run out with current club Atletico Madrid. While he did emerge as one of the best young stars in Europe, he is now struggling to get first-team minutes this season and surely a move would be welcomed.

Klopp is desperate to bolster his backline and this aggressive centre-back could be a perfect fit for what they need at this moment in time.

Stefan De Vrij

The Dutchman may have just signed a new contract with his current club Lazio but now has a £27m release clause placed in it, if this is triggered by Liverpool it could land the Reds a similar style of player to Virgil Van Dijk, though an awful lot cheaper.

De Vrij has surely flirted with the idea of a new challenge and a move to the Premier League would provide just that, having really impressed during the 2014 World Cup.

He’s come on leaps and bounds in the Italian capital and would add some serious much-needed steel to Liverpool’s backline.

Romain Saiss

The defensive midfielder is currently making a name for himself in the Championship with top of the table Wolverhampton Wanderers and has caught the attention of Reds boss Jurgen Klopp with his impressive displays, coupled with his ability to play in the centre of defence too.

Klopp desperately needs some big defensive reinforcements if he’s to bid for trophies and, if he’s unsuccessful with other transfer targets, players like Saiss and possibly Ahmed Hegazi from West Brom can come at a cut price.