MAYBE the time has come for a defensive overhaul at Liverpool.

Brendan Rodgers has struggled to find the right formula at the back this season, and can expect to be busy in the transfer window this summer.

The imminent retirement of Jamie Carragher is the obvious major change. But it’s likely Sebastian Coates will be allowed to leave and Rodgers clearly doesn’t seem too sweet on Martin Skrtel.

Throw in the continued speculation over Pepe Reina’s future and there is scope for a natural changing of the guard.

Liverpool already have Martin Kelly and Andre Wisdom who can eventually play centre-back, but I wouldn’t want to go into next season without at least one more experienced player in that position.

The problem is centre-back is a role all of the leading clubs are struggling to fill. They are all looking at the same players, and there aren’t too many of them around.

If Liverpool’s scouting team unearths a centre-back, the chances are that he won’t be ready for immediate first-team action. And if he is ready, it’s almost certain the other big boys are looking at him and could have already done a deal.

Ashley Williams is one name being mentioned, and while he has done a fine job at Swansea City, there is no guarantee he could do the same at Liverpool. It’s a bit different being a centre-back at Swansea than it is at a leading club.