La Liga stars to bolster blunt and star-shy Liverpool squad

Liverpool’s goalless draw with Tottenham was their eighth stalemate in 12 Anfield fixtures this season, and could not have summed up their season much better.

A dominance of possession and far higher concentration of chances failed to produce any goals for the Reds, and while Kenny Dalglish would be loathed to admit it, he must have recognised that he lacks sheer quality in numbers when it comes to attacking options.

Craig Bellamy has impressed greatly since his free transfer in the summer, but in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, there is a definite lack of cutting edge to a very expensive crop of attacking talent.

Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing have failed to influence games to the extent that their price tags have been justified, and although Andy Carroll’s recent performances have improved vastly, he still has simply not scored enough goals since his £35m switch from Newcastle a year ago.

While Dalglish would be reluctant to admit he may have made a mistake in paying such extortionate fees to bring the aforementioned players to the club, he is certain to delve back into the transfer market in the summer to give his side a better chance of Champions League qualification next season.

Five points from fourth-placed Chelsea as it stands, the Merseyside club are currently 13/5 in the Premier League odds to finish in a Champions League spot, and Dalglish is expected to look to La Liga to further strengthen his Carling Cup finalists.

Fernando Llorente of Athletic Bilbao is believed to be on the Scotsman’s wishlist, though he would face competition from Tottenham for the powerful striker.

Alvaro Dominguez is also believed to be a target, with the Atletico Madrid defender being seen as the long-term successor to Jamie Carragher.

Should Dalglish look to continue his preference of bringing in homegrown talent, he could resume his interest in Darren Bent, who would likely cost around £20m.