Exploring Liverpool’s No 6 transfer options as time begins to run out

It is the worst-kept secret in the Premier League — Liverpool need a defensive midfielder.

If it wasn't obvious before the start of the season, it was certainly obvious after their first game of it on Sunday.

Liverpool's 1-1 draw away to Chelsea saw 201 possessions in total — indicating how many times the ball changed hands between the teams, which reflects how frenetic the tempo of the match concerned is. That tally was only beaten by Manchester United's 1-0 win over visitors Wolves on Monday across the opening round of 10 Premier League fixtures.

Put simply, Liverpool's lack of control in the game was clear to see, with a composed, anchoring midfield presence desperately required.

Ahead of that trip to Stamford Bridge, manager Jurgen Klopp was honest about the business that needs to be done before the September 1 transfer deadline, but typically protective of his current squad.

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“It's not surprising we are looking for that position,” Klopp said. “It's clear, and it would be great if we could do something, but for now we can do a lot of things. We can play a double six or double pivot as well and Stefan (Bajcetic) is coming back. He played that position exceptionally well so we have options; we have Curtis (Jones); we can adapt the system and have options.”

Putting the controversy, drama and disappointment of their failed pursuits of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to one side for the time being, let's keep things focused and look at the options that Liverpool could still move towards this summer.

After all, time is of the essence as they look to strike a deal for a defensive midfielder in the next 17 days.

We will start with a name that has cropped up on multiple occasions this