Former Liverpool forward Robbie Fowler, who amassed over 125 goals in over 250 appearances for the Reds, has urged his former club to sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke - as he'd be an 'excellent' addition to the ranks at Merseyside.
Liverpool have already done the majority of their summer transfer business relatively early - completing seven deals already - including Hoffenheim creative midfielder Roberto Firmino for £29million pounds (£22m plus £7m in add-ons) and James Milner on a free transfer from the 2013/14 Premier League champions Manchester City.
Eager to replace Suárez void, which is still yet to be filled
However, due to the sale of Luis Suárez last July, Brendan Rodgers' men have been thus far unable to fill the void left by the talented Uruguayan - who has enjoyed a stellar first campaign in La Liga with Barcelona following a £60million pound switch to Spain. He has won the treble; Copa del Rey, La Liga title as well as the UEFA Champions League, leaving his former club to drag their inconsistencies from past years into re-ignition again in the 2014/15 season.
Benteke has been heavily linked with a move to any of the mid-range European clubs this summer, and although The Villains are reluctant to sell their key man, he could be persuaded to leave Tim Sherwood's men if a team with European pedigree came in with a respectable offer. Christian only scored three goals between last October and late February, with many suggesting he has suffered from 'second season syndrome', where players fail to live up to expectations based on a successful campaign the term before.
Benteke a completely different player under new management
However, under new management, he was a rejuvenuated man as he helped fire Villa away from the relegation zone with an incredible turn of goal-scoring form. Sherwood was appointed as the club's new manager after some rather lacklustre results in truth, and Benteke has not looked back since. The former Spurs boss entrusted the Belgian forward with the responsibility of leading the side's frontline, and he has done so commendably in the months leading to the end of the season.
He scored eleven goals in his last thirteen league appearances, prompting interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool themselves as well as a few clubs outside of England. However, it is believed that he is eager to stay in the English top flight, and will prefer a move to Anfield as opposed to north London given the way in which Spurs handled a rumoured bid for him previously.
Ready for the big step up?
Robbie Fowler was quick to praise the talented 24-year-old, when questioned about his ability and whether he'd be good enough for the Reds. As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, the 40-year-old had this to say: "It's important we get a proven goalscorer and of the names being bandied about, I'd go for Benteke. I think he's excellent. I know there are other top strikers out there and probably more prolific scores. But in terms of all-round play: strength, speed, physicality, finishing - I think Benteke could be the main man for Liverpool. I've watched him a lot and he's not just a targetman, he can hold the ball well and bring others into play but he's also mobile and keeps defenders on their toes.
On his possible impact on the side: "With a Benteke type, you have someone who will stay up there and stretch defenders. If you have someone who stretches the defence and makes the pitch bigger there's a lot more space for the likes of Firmino, Coutinho and Henderson to run into."