Liverpool need to dip into the market and sign a centre-half in January if they are serious about retaining their Premier League crown claims John Aldridge.
The Reds have seen their defensive options destroyed by injuries which has threatened to derail their season.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both long-term absentees while Joel Matip recently picked up an injury.
Jurgen Klopp has been pragmatic thus far using Fabinho as a makeshift centre-half and calling on youngsters like Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips.
Liverpool remain top of the pile but defensive lapses threaten their champion status.
January is a difficult time to do business but the Reds have been urged to sort of their lack of options by bringing in a new face.
"Word has been coming out of Anfield suggesting Liverpool are not looking to sign anyone next month, but it has to be a smokescreen because they simply have to sign a centre-half if they are serious about retaining the Premier League title," he told Sunday World .
"Joel Matip's injury in Sunday's 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion confirmed what we have all appreciated for some time now - Liverpool have to spend money on a good quality defender.
"I like Matip, and if he could be relied upon to play the majority of games in the second-half of the season, manager Jurgen Klopp might be able to get through to next summer with the current squad.
"Yet, the reality facing Liverpool heading into Wednesday's game at Newcastle is pretty stark - they have one senior centre-back to call upon and he is a midfielder, Fabinho.
"The injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have ripped a hole in Liverpool's defensive line and with Matip clearly struggling with his fitness, Liverpool are horribly short at the centre of their defence."
