John Aldridge has argued that Liverpool fans will not accept loan signings in the January transfer window, with the club in desperate need of new permanent faces as they look to challenge for a top four spot.

The Reds' struggles in the summer transfer window has been well documented, as Andy Carroll departed the club on deadline day and they were unable to land a replacement striker before the clock struck 11pm.

Luis Suarez has been outstanding up front for the side this season, but Liverpool need support for the Uruguayan, and Aldridge believes that only permanent signings will put the club in contention for the Champions League.

"Chairman Tom Werner has said the fans will be happy with the business Liverpool do in January but just recently, the manager has been playing it all down," he wrote in the Liverpool Echo. "Brendan Rodgers has been saying there will be business, but not big business.

"Supporters, understandably, are sceptical and worried about what is going to happen next month but hopefully Brendan is saying this so that clubs don't think we'll be spending a lot of money.

"We do not want to be held to ransom and if Rodgers is playing everything down for that reason, then that is fine.

Lusi Suarez
If Luis Suarez can get more support up front, Liverpool will challenge for Champions League football, John Aldridge claims.

"But the supporters will not accept more loan players."

Liverpool are currently 11th on the table, but are just seven points from Tottenham in fourth place.

And Aldridge believes that if a striker comes into the squad in January, the Reds will have a serious case to challenge for top European football in the 2013-14 season.

"If we get a goalscorer in the next transfer window and we get on a run of form then I believe that qualifying for the Champions League is attainable," he explained.

"Saturday's win over Southampton was a step in the right direction but also a case of the same again.

"At the end of the day it was three points and we could not ask for anymore. But I still feel like we are scrambling our way through to January and the next transfer window.

"When we get there, hopefully the fans are going to get what they deserve because the second half once again showed the positions in which we need to strengthen."