Liverpool Transfer News: Who Should Jurgen Klopp Sign as Mohamed Salah Set to Miss Games

Liverpool started the new year with a goal fest as they solidified their hold of the top of the table with a 4-2 win against Newcastle United.

They are now three points clear at the top with 45 points after 20 matches played.

Aston Villa sits in second place with 42 points while Manchester City, with one game to play, have 40 points.

Arsenal, who held the top spot for more than a month has 40 points after two straight losses.

Mohammed Salah believes they can win the Premier League come May. However, he could miss eight gamesat most due to international duty.

Should manager Jurgen Klopp find a scorer? Recent Liverpool transfer news suggests the German coach is not looking for a Salah replacement. They could be looking for a defender.

Salah is currently the top scorer in the Premier League (tied with City's Erling Haaland) and he will leave a huge hole in the lineup.

"I want to win [the Africa Cup of Nations]," Salah said in an interview with Sky Sports.

"It means a lot to play for the national team. It's something I cannot take for granted. I would love to win it."

It is highly unlikely that Klopp will sign a forward or a striker as the glaring gap in the line-up is on the defense.

The Premier League transfer market opened on January 1 and will close on February 1 at 11 p.m. GMT / 6 p.m. ET.

Liverpool are at the top of the table but there are still areas they can improve.

Top 3 players/positions the Reds should prioritize in the January transfer window:

1. Andre; Current team: Fluminense

Andre is a summer target for Klopp. They could've signed the 22-year-old midfielder last year but he did not want to leave his club Fluminense.

He could be a reinforcement Klopp needs to improve his midfield that continues to miss Thiago Alcantara and Alexis Mac Allister.

Andre himself dreams of playing in the Premier League.

"I watch the Premier League and it's a big dream to play there one day," he said this month. "I'm focused on finishing the season at Fluminense and realising my dream of winning the Club World Cup. But my dream is clear, to be a Premier League player."

2. Goncalo Inacio; Current team: Sporting CP

Liverpool badly needs a center-back who can play alongside or back up to captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Inacio, who was previously linked to Liverpool, could also be a replacement for Joe Matip who is out for the season. The young player could also be the team's future main defender if ever they decide to part ways with Matip.

3. Antonee Robinson; Current team: Fulham

The 26-year-old American player has been impressive for Fulham and signing him might provide answers to Klopp's left-back problem. He has also grown into a cornerstone of the US national football team.

Robinson is a left-footed defender who likes playing long balls and is known for his crosses. He has the speed and strength to mark great scorers like Salah.

Liverpool players themselves know how great of a defender Robinson is as they fell to Fulham early into the season, 3-4.