Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants to sign at least one more striker in addition to Lille’s Divock Origi, Football Express News can reveal.
The Reds are closing in on the Belgium international and expect him to put pen to paper early this week, as they plan for life without talisman Luis Suarez, who is set to join Barcelona.
But a source close to Anfield told FEN that boss Rodgers and his technical staff are anxious to add one or possibly two forwards to the squad during the summer transfer window.
The insider revealed there is an acceptance in the corridors of power that the Merseyside outfit’s involvement in the Champions League necessitates the acquisition of extra firepower to support England international Daniel Sturridge.
Rodgers lacked quality cover and competition for Sturridge and Suarez last term, with Spaniard Iago Aspas failing to make an impact or score a Premier League goal.
Three Lions targetman Rickie Lambert sealed a switch from Southampton before the World Cup but he is untested in Europe’s biggest club competition, while Origi has impressed on the international stage but is still raw at the age of 19.
Liverpool are assessing a number of attack-minded targets, and when they do pounce it is likely to be for a proven Champions League operator.
Origi, who netted five times for Lille last season, rose to prominence with a late winner against Russia in the World Cup group stage before grabbing an assist in the next game against South Korea, which his side won 1-0.