One thing that no one would have expected after Liverpool had suffered the 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final at the end of May was that they would go on to endure their worst start to a Premier League season in 10 years.
After two underwhelming draws firstly away at Fulham on the opening day and then in the first match at Anfield when Crystal Palace made the trip north, it was hoped Liverpool could spark into life at Old Trafford when taking on their fiercest rivals Manchester United on Monday night. This was far from the case.
A 2-1 defeat at the hands of Erik ten Hag's side now seems to be the least of the Jurgen Klopp 's worries as his side languishes in 16th place in the Premier League with just two points. Nine players are currently unavailable through injury and Darwin Nunez is serving two more games of his suspension. The big question on the lips of most Liverpool fans is: 'are we signing a midfielder?'
READ MORE: Frenkie de Jong 'bid prepared' as Liverpool said to join Manchester United and Chelsea in race
READ MORE: Liverpool linked with 'bombshell' transfer for midfielder who made Anfield gesture
Jude Bellingham has many admirers at Anfield and has emerged as a target. But it has become apparent Borussia Dortmund won't entertain selling their most valuable asset this summer since sanctioning the sale of Erling Haaland to Manchester City.
Key man Thiago Alcantara limped off with a hamstring injury at Fulham keeping him out until at least the middle of September while Curtis Jones is also missing with a calf injury. Naby Keita has now joined them on the treatment table.
Jordan Henderson and James Milner started in Manchester alongside Harvey Elliott and it became clear very quickly that Liverpool are lacking in that department. A fix is needed fast. Who is available to buy with only a short time left in the window who is proven in the Premier League?
While there would clearly be several significant hurdles to any deal, could Conor Gallagher at Chelsea fit the bill? The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Palace last season, making 34 appearances in the Premier League and scoring eight times for Patrick Vieira's side. His form earned him international recognition as Gareth Southgate handed him his first England cap.
Liverpool boss Klopp even spoke about Gallagher before the Reds took on Palace in September 2021: "[Conor] Gallagher – I’m not sure you can still say he’s a talent when he plays for [England] U21s, but he’s a really, really good player."
Gallagher stuck around at Chelsea during pre-season to try and earn his spot in Thomas Tuchel's midfield, but it looks unlikely to work out for the young talent. After two substitute appearances, Gallagher was given the chance to start at the weekend, but he didn't perform as Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Leeds United.
It seems highly unlikely Chelsea would sell to a direct rival - but money talks. They have recently done business the other way around to sign Raheem Sterling from Manchester City. Gallagher's price tag is rumoured to be in the region of £35m.
Ross Mooring of Chelsea Fancast recently spoke of the talents of Gallagher to BBC Sport : "Impressive on loan at Crystal Palace last year, as he was for West Brom, Swansea and Charlton before that, the intuitive Gallagher applies every ounce of himself to the team and this attitude has won him plaudits everywhere.
"Conor has an excellent eye for goal, drives forward with the ball and has ability and nous to find the right pass wherever he finds himself on the pitch."
Gallagher has the ability to press effectively and this is something Klopp would love about the 22-year-old. He is full of energy and makes things happen on the ball. Having an eye for a goal isn't a bad talent to have either. It's quite clear his time at Chelsea is coming to an end - and surely he would jump at the chance to play Champions League football and compete for honours at his next destination.
All the noises coming from Liverpool suggest any move for a midfielder is unlikely this late in summer. But it remains to be seen what happens in the final week of the transfer window.
READ NEXT:
- Liverpool Champions League nightmare explained as injury crisis exposed
- Champions League boost for Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool get exactly what they need
- 'It's not subjective' - Mike Dean explains why second Man United goal was given against Liverpool
- Liverpool supporters group calls on club to reverse European match ticket policy
- Liverpool legend says club missed out on 'great signing' as rivals sealed £35m deal
