The Liverpool recruitment team will have to work overtime to convince the fans after an underwhelming summer transfer window and they have several issues to sort out in the upcoming transfer windows.
Signing a defensive midfielder is a key priority for the winter window but it seems increasingly likely that they will need a new right-back at the end of the season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has a mega contract offer on his table from Real Madrid and it seems Liverpool are fighting a losing battle to convince him to sign a new deal with the club.
Replacing the England international would be a tall order but Liverpool have gone to work to identify several right-backs across Europe who could suit them.
They have been linked with a move for Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza but the club have a shortlist in hand if they are to replace Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool have a three-man shortlist
The Reds are aware that they would have to be careful if Alexander-Arnold leaves and they need to sign a replacement.
The defender’s departure is likely to be a PR disaster and the club are mindful that they can’t afford to make a mistake with the player they bring to replace him.
According to a report in the EPL Index, Liverpool have identified three players who could be brought in to replace Alexander-Arnold.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, Monaco’s Vanderson, and Fiorentina youngster Michael Kayode are on their shortlist at the moment.
Vanderson has been linked with a move away from Monaco since last summer and Kayode came to the fore with his performances last season.
However, Frimpong is said to be their top target given the way he has performed under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen.
Liverpool are a fan of his defensive capabilities but are also aware of the kind of attacking threat he possesses as a right-back.
There is a chance he could move next summer if Alonso leaves Leverkusen.
Have they given up on keeping Alexander-Arnold?
Losing Alexander-Arnold would not be taken lightly by the fans and Liverpool are well aware of the optics involved if he joins Real Madrid next summer.
The Reds have offered him a new contract but so far, the player has given no indication that he will sign on the fresh terms
There is a feeling Liverpool would have backed themselves to hold on to him if his suitors were not Real Madrid.
The lure of playing for the European champions is likely to be hard to turn down for Alexander-Arnold who is considering moving to Spain.
