Liverpool transfers: What do they need before the window closes?

Liverpool must target defensive cover and a goal-scoring midfielder before the close of the transfer window.

That's the view of Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas, who reckons Brendan Rodgers' squad is three players short of being able to compete with the Premier League's very best.

Rodgers has already made seven summer signings, bringing in the likes of James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke.

However, Nicholas says three more additions could take Liverpool to the next level.

"Liverpool have enough up front but in terms of midfield they could do with another one," he told Sky Sports.

"Brendan has got a few choices but I don't see too many goals coming from midfield. I know Inter Milan are interested in Lucas Leiva but he's a player I'd be looking to keep.

"The defence still looks very vulnerable for me, too. They don't have cover for right-back Nathaniel Clyne if he gets injured and they definitely need another centre-back."

Options for Liverpool?

Asier Illarramendi

Bumped down the Real Madrid pecking order by Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and new arrival Mateo Kovacic, defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi has been reportedly linked with a move away from the Bernabeu by the Spanish press.

The 25-year-old Spaniard could offer the platform for Jordan Henderson and James Milner to operate higher up the pitch at Liverpool to support Christian Benteke.

Aymen Abdennour

Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour has been the focus of much transfer talk this summer with Newcastle the latest Premier League club linked to the defender.

The Tunisia international is known for his dominant heading ability at centre-back and was part of the Monaco side that eliminated Arsenal from the Champions League last season.

Layvin Kurzawa

The in-demand Monaco left-back has a burgeoning reputation and has been heavily linked with an imminent switch to Paris St Germain.

But with young Joe Gomez currently playing there for Liverpool and Alberto Moreno seemingly out of favour, it remains an area that Rodgers could look to strengthen.