Liverpool are still in the market for some new additions despite the new season being right around the corner.

The Reds have had a summer to remember and their team ahead of their title-defending season really is a frightening prospect for all to see.

However, preparations for the new campaign have not got off to the best of starts, with Liverpool losing the Community Shield to Crystal Palace.

Some fans might not be too disappointed as 12 of the last 13 winners have then failed to end the season as Premier League champions, suggesting it might actually be a bit of a good omen.

Arne Slot says Liverpool ‘need to be better’ after Community Shield defeat	'Part of the problem': Steve Nicol claims 'struggling' Liverpool player made Milos Kerkez look bad yesterday	Virgil van Dijk opens up on what Liverpool need after Community Shield loss

That being said, of course Liverpool wanted to win it and there will be some areas of their performance that they are far from pleased with, and ex-Red Steve Nicol believes there are still two players who they need to buy.

Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

Despite spending close to £300m this summer, the Reds still look worryingly thin in certain areas, although they look mainly light in defence.

Rumours of a striker have been rife, with Alexander Isak the name that never seems to go away, while calls for a new defender have been made after poor performances at the back throughout the summer.

And, with all that being said, Nicol believes that the Reds still need a few more signings, but has also suggested that perhaps a centre-back should be put first in their pursuit before Isak.

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“I think a centre-back, but apparently Liverpool can do both so why not do both?” Nicol said on ESPN FC when asked if Liverpool should strengthen at the back before signing another forward.

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“If you can get a player like Isak then I think you do it, but they definitely need some back-up defensively.

More importantly, they need to spend more time together and get acquainted, understand each other’s games, and understand where, and when and what.

“To answer all of them in terms of the defence, that just takes time on the field, but I guess the answer to the question would be yes.”

Of course, Isak is the dream signing that all fans will want, but if they think a little more rationally, a new defender, ideally even two, is needed a lot more.

Virgil van Dijk is 34, while Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are very injury-prone, as well as the latter looking like he may depart on a free transfer next summer.

So, signing a relatively experienced centre-back might be the way forward, with Marc Guehi being the perfect option.

The Palace captain is open to a move and the club want to sell him this summer, although they will have to reduce their asking fee to avoid pricing him out of a move.

As well as this, a younger defender that fits Liverpool’s usual age profile of 18-22 is needed so that they can be the heir to van Dijk’s throne when he eventually moves on.

Parma’s Giovanni Leoni is a strong candidate for this role but the Reds face strong competition for his signature, although the fact Liverpool are showing interest is a good sign of their intentions.