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With Liverpool firmly committed to a 343/3421 formation that is working for Liverpool's most talented players, will Brendan Rodgers add more depth in the central defensive position in the form of West Ham United's Winston Reid? Glen Johnson is currently favoured as the first-choice reserve for the current back three with Dejan Lovren out of favour and Kolo Touré still at the African Cup of Nations with a semi-final ahead of him. Reid is out of contract in the summer and could bolster Liverpool's defensive ranks with a battle for the top four ahead.
Mamadou Sakho has been in imperious form, but the French international defender has struggled with injuries in the past. Emre Can has been excellent in the right-sided slot, but injuries in midfield may require his presence especially if Lucas needs to take a break from defensive midfield duties. Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson would be best served assisting a defensive midfielder instead of filling in for one, and LA-bound Steven Gerrard has been deployed further forward by Rodgers. Martin Skrtel's durability is something Brendan Rodgers can count on, yet another centre back with Premier League experience could be useful moving forward.
Liverpool are rumoured to make a bid of around £6.5 million for the New Zealand international who has impressed in a strong season for West Ham so far. Tottenham Hotspur are believed to have interest in the centre back, so there may be a battle for his signature. With a contract renewal unlikely, a 26-year-old centre back who is strong and robust should be attractive for a few of the clubs chasing a spot in the top four. As there are only five points separating a pack of five teams in the running for Champions League football next season, extra strength in depth may be even more valuable than usual.
It's unlikely that Liverpool would commit to a centre back now when it is uncertain that a back three is Liverpool's long-term plan. Furthermore, a £20 million centre back who was one of the league's best last season is still someone Liverpool can call upon.
