Premiership Preview: Liverpool

Joe Cole: failed to impress and could be shown the door this season

After resurgence under Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool finished the season only missing out on the Europa League by one place. Their new American owners have already said to the press that they are building a team that can challenge for trophies in the future. Although I agree with this outlook, I don't think shelling out £55 million on Carroll and Henderson is the right way to do it.

Goalkeepers

With Pepe Reina between the sticks there is no need to invest in a new first choice goalkeeper, however a new back-up maybe advisable as the untried Gulacsi is still very young and reports are circulating that Brad Jones is looking for first team football.

Defenders

With all the money that has been spent at Anfield already this summer, it’s mind-boggling that a new left back has not yet been bought in. With the failure of Paul Konchesky and Insua now a distant memory, Liverpool has been caught short at left back. Rumours of Gael Clichy filling this spot were rife, but since they have been beaten to the young Frenchman by Man City, the other serious option could be Jose Enrique.

Midfielders

With money spent on Jordan Henderson and the return of Aquilani from Juventus, Liverpool has an abundance of central midfielders to choose from. Wingers are needed, Stewart Downing looks like a prime target and Matt Jarvis has been mentioned. However, some players may need to be sold to make more funds available – Joe Cole, Maxi Rodriguez and Raul Meireles, despite his good form under Dalglish, could be on the way out.

Strikers

The sale of Torres generated cash, which was promptly spent on Carroll and Suarez, and although that combination could prove to be deadly, there is very little in reserve to those two. David N'Gog just doesn't look like he can cut it at Liverpool and Dirk Kuyt will probably be used more as a winger. Therefore a back-up striker is a necessary purchase for the Anfield outfit.

Although Liverpool have already been busy in the transfer window there is inevitably going to be more ins and outs at Anfield over the summer. Priority should definitely be a new left back – and, as a Man United fan, I hope Liverpool sign Wayne Bridge.

Dave