Liverpool’s defence has come under great scrutiny in the last few months, but a few Kopites in the Transfer Tavern think the Reds’ woes have been blown out of proportion.

If we were to discount the madness of the Bournemouth game, Liverpool conceded only a handful of goals in November and December. That is certainly nothing to sniff at – particularly when you consider they have had a change of keeper and a rotating centre-back pairing in that time too.

Liverpool’s squad looks strong in the right-back position with England international Nathaniel Clyne the only Reds’ player to play every minute of the Premier League season so far. He is backed up by the exciting prospect that is Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Liverpool have cover at centre-back, with the robust Ragnar Klavan and the perceptive Lucas backing up the first-choice pair of Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren though questions remain about the Croatian.

Left-back, meanwhile, is also something of a priority for the Merseyside club. James Milner has surprised everyone – well perhaps not Jurgen Klopp – and excelled in his new defensive position. However, no one thinks he is the long-term answer, and nor surely can Alberto Moreno be the Reds’ first-choice.

Some more options could come in handy, then, and here are four our landlord has come up with…

Ben Gibson

The young English centre-half has been in excellent form this season, and this will not have escaped the attention of scouts from the top half of the Premier League.

He has kept Daniel Ayala, for many the best defender in the Championship last season, out of the team.

Indeed, whispers of an England call-up for the 23-year old have been following his every good performance.

Gibson would also be a smart buy financially, with his value only likely to increase as his experience grows.

Sead Kolasinac

With cover in the left-back department only really coming in the shape of the mercurial Moreno, Kopities in the Transfer Tavern are worried an injury to Milner would derail their title bid.

Kolasinac will be out of contract in the summer and is therefore available at a highly attractive price. However, it is not clear that Kolasinac will be the first choice come next season.

With FFP rules keeping clubs in responsible financial shape, Liverpool would need to make sure they could see a place in the first-team squad for the Bosnian before they made any purchase. Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern are torn on this one.

Juan Bernat

Bayern Munich continue to be the best team in the Bundesliga with the likes of Bernat – a quality left back – unable to get into the first team and nail a place down.

He would undoubtedly improve the Reds’ defence, though, and with them looking for Champions League football for next season the Spaniard would be perfect to help aid that transition. The Reds need to be thinking big and this signing would show that they are doing that.

Fabian Schar

Schar has performed steadily at Hoffenheim since his move in 2012. Liverpool would not have to break the bank to acquire his services, too, and the move for Joel Matip has proven fee means nothing.

The Swiss defender would likely prove a useful back up for Liverpool ahead of potential Champions League football next season. Schar is not a makeshift centre-back like Lucas, and has been involved in title-winning sides at Basel so he knows the pressures of chasing a title.

Agree, Reds fans? Let us know below!