With news that Daniel Sturridge is set for yet another injury layoff, Liverpool need to plan without him as it appears his fitness worries are still a major concern.
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The 25-year-old suffered a torn hip muscle in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat by Manchester United last Sunday and is expected to be of out action for up to a month in what is turning out to be an injury hit season for the England international.
With Luis Suarez departing for Barcelona last summer, much was expected of Sturridge this year but a thigh problem picked up on England duty in September, eventually ruled him out for five months, despite repeated attempts of a comeback.
Now with this latest setback, Liverpool simply must bring in a reliable centre-forward in the summer, either to take the pressure off Sturridge or to replace him.
Take a look at five potential strikers the Reds could target.
5) Alexandre Lacazette
The French forward has bagged 23 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances this season for Lyon.
He’s a quick and natural finisher, and can play in numerous positions in attack and could also forge a deadly partnership with Sturridge.
Lacazette was last last linked to Liverpool in March by the Daily Mail
4) Saido Berahino
The Reds have been heavily linked with the West Brom striker as recently as February by the Daily Mail and the summer could be the right time to pull the trigger.
Has all the attributes that Brendan Rodgers likes in his players and is a composed finisher when in front of goal.
3) Theo Walcott
Another player whom the Merseyside outfit have been linked as recent as March by the Daily Mirror, more as a potential replacement for Raheem Sterling, but has always yearned for a central striking role, he could take advantage of Sturridge’s fitness issues.
Lack of first team opportunities and contract issues at Arsenal could mean Walcott is available in the summer..
2) Harry Kane
Looks to be a long shot right now but Kane does tick all the necessary boxes to be a suitable transfer target for Rodgers, plus there would be the added bonus of him being able to hit the ground running.
A soon to be fully fledged England international, Kane will want to play at the highest level and that could mean a switch to Anfield where he would get guaranteed first team football due to Sturridge’s injury woes.
1) Danny Ings
Probably the most likely of the targets in the Burnley man who has been tipped for a move away from Turf Moor in the summer, with Anfield a touted destination.
The 22-year-old has adapted well to the Premier League this season, has shown he can score all types of goals and is a very good link-man, plus he is a free agent in the summer.
Ings was last linked with a move to Liverpool in March by the Daily Express.