“Unless something dramatic happens we will go with what we have.”

These are the words of Brendan Rodgers just a few short days ago in relation to the transfer window. Although this could be construed as a signal that arrivals at Anfield before next week’s deadline are off the agenda, January is known for ‘drama’, so we could see one, or even a few, major additions at Anfield.

A few players would be the dream, and here is how we think Liverpool could line up if the gossip columns turn into reality… (We’ve gone for a 4-4-2 diamond, by the way).

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Even though Simon Mignolet has been vastly improved of late, the Belgian’s shocking early season form has burned too many bridges with too many Liverpool fans. His flappy performances, sloppy goals conceded and lack of command cost the Reds many points in the opening months of the campaign, and had a better ‘keeper been between the sticks there’s every chance the Merseysiders may be in the top four right now.

A number of new stoppers have been linked with the position this month, but Ter Stegen is the latest in the mix. The German only joined Barcelona over the summer, yet his first-team issues – Claudio Bravo has played more minutes – have attracted Liverpool and led to talk of a £17m move before next week’s deadline.

Nathaniel Clyne

Clyne

With Glen Johnson a figure dividing opinion at Anfield, a new right-back is one addition many have been calling for. The current Reds ace has been deployed at centre-back of late, yet his natural position is on the flank, where his pace, determination and attacking intent used to be weapons for Liverpool.

However, with Johnson’s powers fading, a stunning move for Clyne would appeal to many in the stands. The Southampton man has been linked with a summer switch, yet there is a slim chance the Reds could go all out and launch a late raid – what with January possessing the opportunity for a mad moment.

Martin Skrtel

Skrtel

Not the most fancy of defenders, Skrtel’s rugged nature and competitive streak make him a decent Premier League centre-back. The Slovakian can get caught out against more combative forwards due to his tendency to get ‘too physical’, but as he showed last season, he has enough about him to perform at the very highest level.

Emre Can

Emre Can

Although not a centre-back and hailed as long-term holding midfield star, the young German has been terrific as one of a back three of late. Can’s ability to drive forward with the ball and his sizable frame make him useful as both a defensive option and as a forward-thinking outlet, with his presence – he first played the role away at Burnley over Christmas – having coincided with an upturn in results. We think he has now developed enough experience in the position to be used in a back two with Skrtel…

Alberto Moreno

There have been a few errors from the Spaniard along the way this season, but his pace, attacking instincts and young age make Moreno a great long-term option for the Reds. The ex-Sevilla man arrived late over the summer after months of haggling and really shone in a back four against Spurs at White Hart Lane back in August, with his solo goal, arguably, one of the club’s ‘moments of the campaign’ so far.

Ruben Neves

With Steven Gerrard now in the last six months of his Anfield career and Lucas linked with Inter Milan, a new defensive midfielder is surely a concern for Rodgers. While he has players able to fill the role – Emre Can – fresh blood could add a new dimension to his team, and they don’t come much fresher than Porto’s Neves. The Reds have been linked with the 17-year-old of late, with scouts understood to be watching the ‘new Sergio Busquets’. A £29m move has been mooted, and although the summer looks to be the time to mount a raid, Liverpool have pounced late to spend big in the past…

Jordan Henderson

Henderson

Vice captain and the likely candidate to succeed Gerrard as skipper on a full-time basis when he moves off to LA Galaxy, Henderson is now a key man in the Anfield set-up. The ex-Sunderland star’s time on Merseyside has not been all sunshine and lollipops, though, with his early Liverpool career blighted by a big money price tag and a potential exit upon Rodgers arrival. He has since turned his time at the club around, making up for lacking ability in some areas with genuine work rate.

Steven Gerrard

Gerrard

He may be 34 and he may be about to leave, but Gerrard is still a key man at Anfield. The skipper is deadly from set-pieces, influential in the middle of the pitch and a statesman off it, and he’s likely to be missed when he does head for sunny California. Freed up in a more attacking role, it would be nice to see ‘Stevie G’ roll back the years for the last few months of his Liverpool career…

Raheem Sterling

Sterling

From the history of the club to the future, Sterling looks like he could become the Reds’ key man. The 20-year-old thrived in a central attacking midfield role at the back end of last season, and with the diamond back for this XI, we have him at the tip of the central four. His pace may be more suited to a wide berth, but Sterling’s trickery, eye for the pass and ability to beat his man are all tools that come to the fore as a ‘No. 10’, even if it does mean putting Philippe Coutinho on the bench…

Alexandre Lacazette

Ligue 1 has its critics, but the French top tier looks to have unearthed a real gem this season in the shape of Lacazette. The Lyon man already has 21 goals in 22 appearances – with a further four in cup competitions – which has led to links with a move away from the current table-toppers.

Liverpool are one of the club’s in the mix, and although a January deal looks unlikely due to the striker’s current niggling injury, there remains a slim chance of a deadline day-beating bid.

Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge

Cliché alert… Sturridge will be like a new signing for Liverpool when he returns from injury… which may be against West Ham on Saturday. The England international has been out of action since August, and the Reds have missed his goals dearly as their top four hunt has wobbled on a weekly basis.

With pace, composure and that star quality, Sturridge is a key man for Rodgers, who, although reluctant to risk him too early, will want to get his man back in the XI as soon as possible.