Christian Benteke: Liverpool urged to sign Aston Villa star as ideal foil for Firmino

Christian Benteke would be the ideal foil for Liverpool's current band of attacking talent and solve the problems in front of goal that beset their 2014/15 campaign, according to former striker Robbie Fowler.

Daniel Sturridge's injury nightmare and Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini's lack of form saw none of the quartet break double-figures in terms of goals, as the Reds missed out on qualifying for the Champions League.

Despite already making six signings this summer, Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for a forward to quell their attacking problems. Talksport claim the club are on the verge of signing Aston Villa hitman Benteke, whose release clause according to The Daily Telegraph is £32.5m ($50.9m).

And Fowler, who netted 183 times for Liverpool during 11 seasons at Anfield, says Benteke is the man to return goals to Brendan Rodgers' team.

"The striker issue is a big thing," Fowler told the Liverpool Echo. "We didn't have anyone who scored 10 Premier League goals last year and I can't remember the last time that happened at Liverpool.

"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 scorers. But in terms of all-round play – strength, speed, physicality, finishing – I think Benteke could be the main man for Liverpool."

Of Liverpool's six signings this summer, the addition that has sparked the most interest has been Brazil international Firmino, who joins an exciting-looking attacking line-up ahead of the new campaign.

The 23 year old is expected to operate alongside fellow-countryman Philippe Coutinho, behind a central striker, next term and Fowler believes Benteke would be the ideal complement to the duo.

"I've watched him a lot and he's not just a targetman," he added. "He can hold the ball well and bring others into play but he's also mobile and keeps defenders on their toes.

"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.

"When you've got players who want to drop deep all the time, you're easier to mark as a team. When forwards drop into Coutinho's position, it makes it harder for him to get on the ball."