Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has expressed his belief that there could be major changes to personnel at Anfield in the summer transfer window, according to the Daily Star.
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The former Reds star has singled out under-performing players such as Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini as three who could be shown the door at the club after disappointing seasons.
With more clearly needed in attack, Thompson also pointed to big names such as Edinson Cavani of Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain as options for manager Brendan Rodgers to consider bringing in in their place upfront.
“I think it will be very difficult for Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini to remain and, whether the club want to move them on or not, I think they’re going to want to seek pastures new,” Thompson said.
“Burnley’s Danny Ings doesn’t have the experience to carry that weight and I think Brendan Rodgers needs to bring in a more established striker.
“Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani or somebody of that ilk is required, which means Liverpool are going to have to spend big to be considered title contenders next season.”
It remains to be seen who Liverpool will be able to attract at the moment, with Champions League qualification sure to play a pivotal role in deciding the calibre of player they can persuade to move to Merseyside.
It may also prove problematic for the club to sell players like Balotelli and Lambert after their poor form, with clubs unlikely to pay large amounts for unwanted squad members.