Liverpool's shortcomings have become obvious over the past season, but Rafa Benitez at last has the war chest to make us serious contenders for the Premiership title. This is what he needs to do in the transfer season to make it happen.

In goal, Pepe Reina will once again reign supreme with Daniele Padelli as his cover and we may see Scott Carson off-loaded.

In defence, Jamie Carragher is the only guaranteed player to start a game if fit. Daniel Agger may seem his obvious partner but, as seen in the way he was totally outdone by Didier Drogba and the fact that Jose Mourinho singled him out as the weak link in the first leg of the Champions League, there could be some substance to the rumour that Liverpool want to sign Gabriel Milito.

The left-back position seems to be between John Arne Riise and Fabio Aurelio. Although both are great going forward, there will always be question marks about their ability to defend, but both should be safe next season. At right-back it is a lot more complicated. It is no secret Rafa wants Daniel Alves but what position would he play? Steve Finnan does a great job at right-back, but as Alves can play right-back or midfield, where would Rafa want him to play? I would be a bit wary of trying to play someone on the wing who is naturally defensive, as is the case with Riise on the other wing.

Midfield is where things are most complicated and a lot revolves on one current Anfield player. Xabi Alonso may or may not be on is on his way out, but I think we have already bought his replacement in Lucas Leiva, the 20-year-old Brazilian. Next year I expect to see Steven Gerrard occupy his favoured central midfield role with Javier Mascherano playing alongside him and Lucas and Momo Sissoko as back- up.

In the wide positions, Liverpool need major improvements and as much as Jermaine Pennant improved over the final months of the season, another top-class right winger is required. On the left we could actually be looking for two. Bolo Zenden is on his way, I hope, and Harry Kewell also, so that just leaves us with Mark Gonzalez, who has been unimpressive since his much-highlighted move. But this is his first season so maybe Rafa will give him another chance to prove his worth.

As for the wingers we could sign for these positions, the media list is endless. But one name that keeps cropping up is Simao Sabrosa. Joaquín Sánchez has also been mentioned, along with just about every decent winger playing in the Iberian peninsula. So for wing positions it really is anyone's guess who Benitez will opt for.
The big-name signing this summer is going to be the striker. We all know we need a top-class one but we can't seem to agree on who that should be. The two names that seem to be top of the list are Carlos Tevez and Samuel Eto`o.

Tevez has already proved that he can handle the Premiership while Eto`o has shown what a loose cannon he can be. But I have posted stories before hinting that my preference would be Eto`o above the merits of David Villa, Tevez and Co.

Some people may say Eto’o would not suit the rotation policy that Rafa employs. But remember this, Benitez only rotates the players who are not playing well enough - as Carragher, Gerrard and Kuyt proved from last season.

Tevez would be good and probably not that hard to get because of his friendship with Mascherano and using Bellamy as bait. But I still think Eto'o is the man who can bring us to the next level, and Rafa proved with Bellamy that he is not afraid to take on a troubled player if it can help the team.

Even though most of Europe wants to sign Eto’o, I believe that the wheels are already in motion to use Alonso as a serious bargaining chip to make sure that the Cameroon striker will be playing for Liverpool next year.