Jurgen Klopp has lots of work to do at Liverpool to turn them into title contenders. Despite excellent progress so far under the German manager, the Reds are still slightly off the pace being set by the league leaders.

That makes the next two transfer windows extra important for the Anfield side. Recruiting well could be the difference between silverware and languishing well behind.

Klopp will have plenty of money to spend in both January and the summer, but the market has never been more competitive though and Liverpool have to make every penny count.

That's why picking up talented footballers for little outlay is so desirable. There are many excellent players out-of-contract in June 2017 across Europe, and Klopp would be silly to not at least have a look at the talent available on the cheap next month.

Here are THREE potential out-of-contract bargains for Liverpool in the coming windows...

Axel Witsel

Football Soccer - AZ Alkmaar v Zenit St. Petersburg - UEFA Europa League group stage - Group D - AFAS-Stadium, Alkmaar, Netherlands - 08/12/2016 - AZ Alkmaar's Ben Rienstra and Zenit's Axel Witsel during the match. REUTERS/United Photos/Toussaint Kluiters

Axel Witsel is a midfielder with vast experience and plenty of ability that could make a direct impact on the Liverpool first-team.

Making over 400 professional appearances for Standard Liege, Benfica and Zenit St Petersburg, he's already been the subject of two massive money moves in his career.

He's an international veteran too, winning 76 caps for a talented Belgium side.

With his contract up this summer, he's well placed to end up in one of Europe's biggest leagues and Liverpool should be sounding him out about a potential move next month if the fee is low.

Saido Berahino

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West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino in action with Middlesbrough's Adam Clayton  
Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley 
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Saido Berahino has never come across as particularly happy at West Brom, despite spending the entirety of his career at the club.

The attacker is only just returning from an injury he's had since September and hasn't had the chance to show what he can do this season. Last term wasn't great for him either, netting just seven times in 35 appearances.

We reckon he still has plenty of potential though and it's season 2014/15 that clubs will likely remember when considering a move for a player out-of-contract next summer.

That was the year he scored 20 goals for West Brom.

Perhaps a move will finally allow him to unlock his potential and if there's no transfer fee involved, it's relatively risk-free for Liverpool to give him a chance. If any manager in the Premier League can get the best out of him, it's likely Klopp.

Thiago Silva

Football Soccer - Paris St Germain v OGC Nice - French Ligue 1 - Parc des Princes stadium, Paris, France - 11/12/2016. Paris St Germain's Thiago Silva in action. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Perhaps the hottest commodity out-of-contract in Europe next year, Thiago Silva would be an incredible signing for Klopp's defence at Liverpool.

The 32-year-old Paris Saint-Germain centre-back is still getting the job done at the top level and would likely enhance most teams in the Premier League.

Liverpool have conceded too many goals this season and need more stability in defence, and Silva's excellent career in Europe with AC Milan and PSG has shown he is one of the best defenders in the world.

If the Reds can pick the Brazilian cap up on the cheap, he could be the signing of the season, but his salary could be an issue.