Consecutive 1-0 victories have launched Liverpool near the top of the Premier League table, but with Manchester City (signing Nicolas Otamendi) and Chelsea (signing Pedro) strengthening, the Reds can ill-afford to rest on their laurels.

There are additional transfer targets manager Brendan Rodgers must consider for the club to contend for its first-ever title in the Premier League era. (Liverpool last won a first-division title in 1990).

Read on for the three transfers that will help supplant Chelsea in 2016.

Marco Reus

A pipe dream for some, Marco Reus is the caliber of signing that can transform the title race in England. In addition to Liverpool, the 26-year-old has been linked with a potential move to Barcelona. Reus made just 20 appearances for Borussia Dortmund last season, finishing his league campaign with seven goals and five assists.

Unfortunately for both Liverpool and Barcelona, Dortmund have no inclination of selling him. Bundesliga expert Jan Aage Fjortoft insists that remains the case.

"There is no chance he will leave Dortmund now," Fjortoft said, per the Daily Star.

Asier Illarramendi

With Lucas Leiva reportedly departing Anfield, the vacancy of a stalwart defensive midfielder will need to be filled. Enter Asier Illarramendi.

Liverpool are standing firm in the transfer negotiations with Real Madrid, per Metro. The club believes the Spanish giants will be keen to sell him following the arrival Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan.

Mario Balotelli

Consider this one addition by subtraction.

Balotelli has proven to be nothing more than a distraction since joining the club in 2014. Add to that just one Premier League goal in 940 minutes of play, and it's clear the 25-year-old's time in Merseyside must come to an end.

One potential destination is Al-Arabi, per the Daily Mail. Manager Gianfranco Zola believes the Qatari league has plenty to offer the troubled striker.

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Liverpool Transfer News: Marco Reus, Mario Balotelli And Other Transfer Business Brendan Rodgers Must Finish Before Window Closes [VIDEO]

Marco Reus

Asier Illarramendi

Mario Balotelli

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