Liverpool-born Callaghan (r) spent 18 years with the Reds

Liverpool legend Ian Callaghan believes a lack of genuine wide players in the Reds squad is hindering performances.

Manager Rafael Benitez has been linked with a number of wingers during the current transfer window, including Espanyol's Albert Riera.

"As a winger for 10 years I do feel we need other [wide] options," two-time European Cup winner Callaghan told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"We need players who can play wide and I'm sure Benitez is looking for that."

Callaghan believes the Reds' quest to sign a wide player is hindered by a lack of quality players opting to play out wide in the modern game.

"When I was playing most teams played with wingers - there was myself and Peter Thompson at Liverpool.

"I think it wasn't until 1966 when England won the World Cup and I was a member of the squad that Alf Ramsey played three wingers.

"He then discarded us and went for no wingers but he won the World Cup and a lot of teams after that followed him."