Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool require three new signings, and especially put their chances of success at risk without a new defender being recruited. However, the former vice-captain ultimately believes club chiefs know what they are doing and trusts in their long-sighted planning.

Arne Slot's first season in charge of the Reds has been rampant with distraction - nonetheless, the new head coach has overseen a blistering start in which they lead the Premier League and are still competing on four fronts. These distractions are namely himself and other key personnel bedding in, huge stars' contracts still not being resolved and that ongoing hunt for silverware.

Upon his arrival the Dutchman felt he inherited a squad capable of seeing through the 2024/25 campaign, the opportunistic £12.5m capture of Federico Chiesa last August being the only piece of business completed which immediately added to his first-team squad, with one window done and another hours away from closure.

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"There’s definitely areas of Liverpool’s team that can be really improved. But I think that is something for the summer," former Liverpool defender-turned-pundit Carragher sceptically told Sky Sports News on deadline day.

"Centre forward is a position they could really improve in. I think attacking midfield is another one. A left sided defender too. If those players were available right now, I’m not sure they would do the attacking ones because they have enough numbers there.

"But I think they need to sign a left-back – or a left-sided centre-back or left-back – but I am sure they will come in the summer."

The January transfer window has brought with it plenty of Anfield rumours to digest. Regarding Carragher's suggestion of a centre forward, no clear names have arisen for incomings though Darwin Nunez's future has come into question amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

In the attacking midfield department again, no concrete rumours, though Rayan Cherki is a name that has been linked. Lyon's ownership have confirmed in time for deadline day the playmaker is to stay put.

And as for defenders, plenty of names have floated around the transfer rumour mill - namely Milos Kerkez around last weekend's meeting with Bournemouth. Even without a signing made - no matter the name - Slot can soon look forward to Joe Gomez's return from injury to help end any left-sided fears.

As the ECHO understands, the club's focus will therefore be on securing loan exits for approved younger talents in the squad before the 11pm UK deadline. And ultimately, Carragher can make peace with this.

He added: "For me, I have that much trust over what these guys tend to do over the last eight to ten years. Even if I think they should buy, I look at the operation at Liverpool and go: they know more than me.

"Every fan gets excited about players coming in – I would love Liverpool to sign another defender – but I trust these people know what they’re doing because their track record says they do."