Do Liverpool need a new centre-back?

A second option would be Bolton and England centre-back Gary Cahill. He had a fantastic season with the Trotters last year and looks to be continuing that good form in the new season after scoring and keeping a clean sheet in Bolton’s 4-0 victory over QPR on Saturday. Cahill is a passionate player who gives his all every game, is good in the air, strong in the tackle and is also a leader, all of which are attributes that Jamie Carragher possesses. Cahill, also 23, would be available for around £17m, but a player-plus-cash deal may be a possibility with Liverpool looking to offload some squad players and Bolton reportedly interested in recruiting David N’Gog.

Birmingham defender Scott Dann has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy. He had an impressive season last year and formed a strong partnership with Roger Johnson, but has no European or international experience and would not be available for less than £10m. And for that money there are better players available.

Other defenders linked with Liverpool include Shawcross’ team-mate Robert Huth, PSG’s French international Mamadou Sakho and Borussia Dortmund’s Serbian centre-back Neven Subotic.

So who should be Liverpool’s new centre-back?
Gary Cahill is the pick of the bunch. He has been the shining light for Bolton over the last few seasons because of his drive, determination and consistently high performances and despite having no European experience, he has played for England three times. Although Jamie Carragher is irreplaceable at Anfield, Cahill has great potential and his passion for success could see him becoming a Liverpool regular in years to come. If Liverpool can agree a player-plus-cash deal with Bolton that reduces the £17m price tag then Cahill would be a fantastic signing for the Reds. But if not, then Henry and Dalglish should look elsewhere.