Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool to proceed with caution as they look to boost their options in midfield.
Injuries to Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have left the Reds light in that area of their squad. Before the season kicked off, the Mirror had revealed that Liverpool would put their search for a new midfielder on the backburner until next summer when they would prioritise a move for Jude Bellingham.
But with their squad already looking stretched in the first week of the new season, there have been suggestions that they could move up their plans to this summer. Bellingham remains their top target, but Borussia Dortmund are highly unlikely to sell him this year.
That could tempt Jurgen Klopp to pursue an alternative target, though that is something Carragher believes would be a mistake. Instead, the Reds icon believes they should employ the same strategy that saw them sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton four years ago.
"You think how long they waited for Virgil van Dijk, the deal fell through in the summer and they waited until January. They didn't go and get another centre-back because they did need one," he told Sky Sports.
"They waited for the guy that they wanted and it's proved very successful. I'm sure that's what they'll do in midfield. It's not the midfield that they've got, it's just the age profile is getting into the 30s.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should Liverpool look to buy as they search for a new midfielder? Comment below.
"Certainly Liverpool's first-choice midfield and the one that played at Fulham. A younger more energetic player coming in at some stage, but they've got those players in reserve at the moment. Unfortunately, they're all injured."
Carragher did admit that Liverpool do require recruits in midfield if they are to challenge Manchester City. But he urged the Reds not to panic, having made three signings so far this summer.
"Most people would say Liverpool's midfield could be strengthened, they have enough numbers, but maybe in terms of quality or giving them something different that they don't have. I would only want Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp to get that midfielder if they get the player they want," he added.
"Liverpool's success in the transfer market, a lot of it has been down to not panicking. That's what Liverpool can't do, what they haven't done in the past and what they can't do right now and what they shouldn't do in the future.
"If the midfield player that they want is not available, don't get him. But if there's a midfielder out there that they feel has the qualities that are available, I would like them to do it of course, but don't panic."
Thiago looks set to be ruled out for at least six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the disappointing draw at Fulham. Oxlade-Chamberlain also looks set to endure a long spell on the sidelines, with youngsters Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho anticipated to be handed bigger roles.
