Liverpool transfer news: Mark Lawrenson advises Jurgen Klopp to make additions in January

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has backed Jurgen Klopp to bring in reinforcements in January to improve the squad. The Reds suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United at Upton Park as they have lost three of their last five league matches.

Injuries have not helped Klopp take Liverpool forward as the former Borussia Dortmund manager has been without the services of several key players. Daniel Sturridge has spent more time on the sidelines than on the pitch, while the Reds will be without the services of Martin Skrtel.

Additionally, midfield star duo of Jordan Henderson and James Milner are out of action due to injuries. Liverpool will play seven matches in January and after a disappointing start to 2016 with a defeat to West Ham, Klopp will have a tough task at hand.

The former defender has urged the German manager to dip into the midseason transfer market and make additions to the squad. "Klopp will certainly realise, if he hadn't already, that we play a lot of games in this country, probably too many. And while he is reticent to do business in the January transfer window, he may not left with much choice," Lawrenson told the Liverpool Echo.

"It could be he needs to dip into the market to bolster numbers, although he won't do it unless the incoming players improve the squad. Hopefully it will act as a kick up the backside for some of our creative players. He'd be entitled to make more of the fact the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Sturridge are all missing.

"That could easily form half of his first-choice starting line-up, and between they bring a wealth of experience, not least of playing – and winning trophies – at a major club.

"Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana and, yes, Philippe Coutinho all have talent, but it's no good having one outstanding game out of five. They need to be at least 7 out of 10 nearly every game. Klopp is learning all the time and he'll know that in an ideal world, those three won't be in the same together," he concluded.