How Liverpool's stunning starting XI could look next month - if intriguing transfer rumours prove to be true

With the January transfer window now in full swing, the links continue to emerge between clubs and their potential new recruits. Liverpool have had their eye on some winter targets as they look to continue their Premier League title charge and go as far as they can in their other tournaments.

The Reds have been connected to a mixed bag of interesting names this window, some that could come to fruition, and others that are more of a pipe dream. We've taken into account the latest Liverpool transfer links and listed how Jurgen Klopp's starting lineup could look at the end of the month, based on potential new signings and of course, current absences.

GK: Alisson

There's got to be something going seriously wrong if your spot as first choice goalkeeper is under threat. Liverpool have conceded the least amount of goals in the Premier League this season with 18 — Alisson was absent for two fixtures but has shipped just 15 goals so far. Caoimhín Kelleher has stepped up when needed and impressed as usual, particularly in the Carabao Cup, but it's safe to say Alisson has the Premier League covered.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool's injury problems start here but the issue with their vice-captain is hopefully approaching its end. Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up a knee injury against Arsenal last week and Pep Lijnders has confirmed he will be out 'for a few weeks' but admitted they are hopeful 'he can come back to where he was' upon his return.

Based on the timeline provided, Alexander-Arnold may just be back in time to get back in training and onto the pitch for the start of February, which will be a big relief for Klopp, the team and the fans.

CB: Virgil van Dijk

Fans will be hoping and praying that Virgil van Dijk stays fit amid the current injury concerns across the back line. Losing Joël Matip to a season-ending ACL injury has put a lot into perspective and the Reds have been browsing the market for a new potential signing who can serve as either back-up to the current central defenders, or competition to start alongside the skipper.

CB: Jean-Clair Todibo

There has been a list of names linked with a move to Anfield as Liverpool consider bringing in new defensive options this window. One of the main players on the radar was Gonçalo Inácio and pretty heavy links have had fans excited but cold water has recently been poured on these reports, with Fabrizio Romano especially claiming that the interest is 'not something concrete'.

However, an update this week from French media group Nice-Matin has claimed Liverpool are now 'one step ahead of Manchester United' to sign Jean-Clair Todibo. This refers to a potential summer move but Liverpool are a persuasive club and the transfer window is full of twists and turns, so if they're serious about the move, the Reds could press for an earlier agreement.

LB: Joe Gomez

Liverpool's left-back crisis is far from ideal right now, but things haven't fallen apart in the way many fans feared they would. With both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas out injured, Joe Gomez has been filling in on the left of the defence and the world hasn't crumbled. Of course, having a natural left-back would be the preferred option but Gomez continues to prove his versatility and professionalism with these new challenges.

Robertson and Tsimikas have both been quoted to return to training at the end of January, meaning a February comeback could be on the cards for at least one of them. This could allow the left-back situation to be pinned until the summer, to save money this window and avoid bringing in a new starter for one month, just to demote them in a matter of weeks.

CDM: André

This transfer saga has been on and off for months now, ever since Liverpool attempted to sign him in the summer. André has been one of the club's biggest targets in recent months and all signs pointed to the Reds bringing him to Anfield in January. Fluminense had made it clear that they wanted to keep their squad in tact for the Copa Libertadores final but would entertain offers in the new year.

Now we're finally into the window, the trail has gone cold and it recently looked as though Fulham would instead be signing André. However, an update from Victor Lessa (via Sport Witness) on this has claimed that actually, Fluminense have not received any offers for the midfielder and concerns are now rising. Could this be a way back in for Liverpool now there is seemingly very little competition?

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai

After their summer recruitment haul, Dominik Szoboszlai has been impressing in his new team and his promising performances so far could spell a very bright future for him at Anfield. He is currently out with a hamstring injury but is expected to return this month and should be fit and firing again to help lead the creativity in midfield.

CM: Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones is really enjoying his football at the moment and even after a midfield recruitment drive during the summer, he is finding himself flourishing. The 22-year-old has really found himself in recent years and his three goals in his last two Carabao Cup appearances, as well as a goal against Newcastle United in the league have shown off his ability.

Liverpool have been crying out for a creative, goalscoring midfielder for years and Jones is steadily climbing to become an all-round asset in the engine room.

RW: Harvey Elliott

Mohamed Salah's call-up to represent Egypt at AFCON always leaves Liverpool sitting by the door like a pining puppy, waiting for him to return. The winger has undoubtedly been the biggest threat in Klopp's side over the years and his international absence always leave a big hole in the team. But the Reds aren't a one-man show and they must adapt until he's back, which may not be until well into February.

If Egypt reach the AFCON final, Salah will miss as many as eight games for Liverpool and they will be preparing for this. Harvey Elliott is one of the hardest workers on the roster and will relish his chance to shine in an otherwise untouchable role at right-wing. Klopp may rotate his options throughout January, but Elliott's work ethic and raw talent should be enough to get him the nod for the majority.

LW: Diogo Jota

Unlike the right-wing position, which has no natural back-ups after Salah, plenty of players can compete for the spot on the left. Diogo Jota was missed during his recent injury absence and since his return, he has contributed to four Liverpool goals in as many appearances. A goal against Burnley, followed by two assists against Newcastle and then another in the FA Cup to help knock out Arsenal... certainly enough to claim the role as his heading into the second half of the season.

CF: Darwin Núñez

Darwin Núñez is Liverpool's loveable yet unpredictable forward. He is far from the finished product at Anfield but he is certainly capable of brilliant things in Klopp's front three. Even when he isn't scoring, he is always trying to create chances for himself and others and while this will become more polished as time goes on, his work ethic speaks for itself.