As we roll through yet another international break, it gives us time to stop and take stock of where everything stands at this juncture in the season.
Contenders are beginning to rise while other clubs are struggling for a variety of reasons. With that in mind, we are only a month and a half away from the January transfer window which means the rumor mill is soon to pick up steam once again.
As ever, Liverpool will be one of the hot names in the market, even though there is an expectation that they might not be very active this winter following their summer spending free.
The Reds are still on the prowl for defensive help and with that, a familiar name is still popping up while a new contender could be emerging.
Liverpool still favorites for Crystal Palace captain
We all know that Marc Guéhi was mere moments away from becoming the final piece to Arne Slot's summer masterplan.
It wasn't until Palace manager Oliver Glasner stepped in and threatened to resign if his captain was sold on transfer deadline day that the FA Cup winners nixed the deal at the 11th hour.
It was a brutal turn of events for the Reds, who as we have seen, could have used Guehi's services a lot over the last two months of action. He would go a long way towards plugging the gaps we have seen in recent times.
However, now soon to enter the final six months of his contract, the England defender will surely have his choice of top clubs when he becomes a free agent this summer.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are admirers alongside Liverpool, but it's the Reds who are still seen as favorites for his signature in the summer.
His arrival could be huge as Ibrahima Konate has not yet signed a new long-term deal and might need replacing at the end of the season. Keep your eyes on this, Guéhi is very much still in play for Slot and Co.
New option from Germany forming
Even if Guehi arrives at Anfield or not, there might be another exciting defender in his prime that could be an option to don the famous red shirt.
Borussia Dortmund have become a staple of churning out brilliant talent over the last decade and more. German centre-half Nico Schlotterbeck is one of the brightest talents in their squad at this time.
While he is under contract with Dortmund through 2027, he is currently pausing extension talks, despite the club pushing for it.
He's seen as a future leader at the club and one of their most important assets as they move into the future trying to run down the mighty Bayern Munich.
For his part, Schlotterbeck wants to see what his current employer's standing in the game is while he is also recovering from a meniscus tear. Together, the player has said it is not the right time for a deal.
While that is not exactly a red alert for Liverpool to pounce, he is seen as a fine option that could be pursued if the situation arose. His pace, power and leadership qualities could be a terrific combination with Guehi and van Dijk, or he could bring it on his own as needed.
Dortmund are reportedly willing to double his salary, but the heavy spending of the Premier League clubs should not be dissuaded by such figures.
It's not a lock to even come close to the negotiating table, but Liverpool are monitoring the situation in Germany on the off-chance they could pounce for a proven commodity in defense.