Liverpool’s 3-1 loss at Manchester City on Monday night brought about plenty of problems for Brendan Rodgers, even after splashing out on two defenders and bringing in a third on loan. Alberto Moreno, Dejan Lovren and Simon Mignolet were all accountable for the three goals conceded.

A major problem at Liverpool has been the lack of quality at defensive midfield. A quality addition for that role will certainly see the club improve on their defensive record of last season.

Brendan Rodgers has less than a week to address the defensive gaps in his squad and ensure Liverpool are capable of building on the season they had last term.

Here’s a look at five players who would help to strengthen the defence at Anfield.

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Morgan Schneiderlin

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Alex Song

Cameroon v Croatia - FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 - Group A

Marseille are said to be the latest club interested in Alex Song, who will more than likely leave Barcelona before the window closes next week.

A host of other Premier League clubs have been linked, including former club Arsenal, but Liverpool could also make use of the services of the Cameroon international.

Song’s ability to play at centre-back will also be seen as a plus for Brendan Rodgers, who, despite adding Dejan Lovren, still has defensive concerns.

Barcelona’s willingness to see of Song this summer will see him available for a bargain fee.

Benedikt Howedes

Benedikt Howedes

Liverpool have already signed three defenders this summer, but one more wouldn’t go a miss considering their defensive record of last season.

Benedikt Howedes has been on the radar of a few Premier League clubs following the World Cup, where he lined up on the left of Germany’s defence. The Schalke defender is a natural centre-back, but can also stand in at right full-back.

He’s experienced and would bring leadership to the squad at Anfield. The German international would be a big help during the team’s Champions League campaign.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Morgan Schneiderlin

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Liverpool return to Southampton in order to strengthen their defensive midfield position.

It’s been an area long in need of address at Anfield, with Lucas and Steven Gerrard the only options, and neither viable long-term solutions.

Schneiderlin has long been linked with a move this summer and would be a great addition at Liverpool. He’d come at a high price, but Brendan Rodgers has already hit the £20 million-mark three times this summer.

Sami Khedira

Khedira

Whether it’s now or in a year, Sami Khedira will leave Real Madrid, but the preference of the European champions is a sale this summer, with Khedira’s contract coming to an end.

The German international was reportedly close to a move to Arsenal, but Bayern Munich and Chelsea have also registered an interest.

Khedira is said to be available for a knockdown fee and would go a long way to helping Liverpool mount a challenge on the league title this season.

Asmir Begovic

Asmir Begovic

Simon Mignolet was criticised for Manchester City’s third goal in the 3-1 loss on Monday night, allowing Sergio Aguero to fire in from his near post. It hasn’t been the first time the Liverpool ‘keeper has been questioned, and a replacement, or at least a good backup, may be needed.

At this stage of the summer it will certainly be difficult to find a club willing to negotiate the sale of their goalkeeper, but an option could be Asmir Begovic, who was strongly linked with a move out of Stoke last season.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is a step up in quality from Mignolet and would play a big role in shoring up the leaky defence at Anfield.