Brendan Rodgers
Reuters

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted at possible additions to the Reds' squad in the winter transfer window. The Northern Irishman confirmed he has spoken to the club's owners and stressed the importance of strengthening the squad, particularly in the light of the long-term absence of Italian striker Fabio Borini.

"I've had good conversations with the owners and they ­understand where we are at as a team at the moment. If we can get our best 11 players on the pitch then our team is comparable to any team in the league," the former Swansea City manager was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

The Reds are currently a dismal 14th in the league with only six points from seven games, and the injury to Borini leaves Rodgers with only Uruguayan Luis Suarez as a senior team striker. The only other striker on the club's books is England international Andy Carroll, who is on loan at West Ham United. Rodgers was aware of the situation in the summer and did try to sign American international Clint Dempsey but the former Fulham player chose Spurs instead. Carroll is eligible for recall in January but is unlikely to return to Anfield this season unless Rodgers fails to land a striker for the second consecutive transfer period. The former Newcastle man will be equally reluctant to return, after admitting he felt settled at Upton Park.

Liverpool have recently been linked with moves for Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz (from Galatasaray) and Englishman Gary Hooper (from Celtic). They have also been connected with a move for another Magpie forward - Senegalese international Demba Ba. Other players linked to the Reds include Crystal Palace youngster Wilfried Zaha, who had an £11m price tag slapped on him by the Championship side's manager, Dougie Freedman.

An outside bet to join Liverpool could also be Arsenal winger Theo Walcott. The 23-year-old England international was spoken of as replacement for Andy Carroll earlier in the summer and his ongoing contract disputes with the London club could mean he may be easily approached. There is also the incentive of tactical positions. One of Walcott's primary contract demands - one not accepted by Arsene Wenger - is believed to be a desire to play as a central striker. With the Reds severely lacking options in that department, Walcott may seriously consider a switch to Merseyside.

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