John Aldridge urges Liverpool to sign Luis Suarez replacement and cash in on Raheem Sterling

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has urged Brendan Rodgers to continue his overhaul with the arrival of a top scorer to finally fill the void created by the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona last summer – and to find the move with the sale of Raheem Sterling to Manchester City.

The Merseysiders have acted quickly in the summer transfer window with the early signings of James Milner, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez, Adam Bogdan, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne.

Aldridge has hailed the business conducted by Rodgers so far but believes there are still two key transfers decision to be made: the arrival of a proven goalscorer and the departure of Sterling.

"Liverpool have bought some good players in recent weeks, but they will still struggle to finish in the top 4 because they haven't bagged a proven goal scorer. I'm very happy with Nathaniel Clyne as we needed someone in that position, the Brazilian Firmino should slot right in and Milner is a good signing following the departure of Steve Gerrard," Aldridge wrote in Kicca.

"But they have not signed the 20-goal-a-season player they really need. Unfortunately Sturridge will not deliver that many goals and Ings will struggle to get the chances in his first season,"

"They haven't replaced Suarez and that's what they had to do. You need someone who will score 20-plus goals season in, season out and they still haven't got that player. And without that striker they will not break into the top 4 – where the fans expect them to be."

The former Liverpool star went on to claim that the sooner Liverpool cash in on Sterling the better, as the Merseysiders already have a perfect replacement for him in Jordon Ibe.

Several reports, including from the Daily Mail, claim the Merseysiders are demanding £50m ($78m) to sanction his departure, with Manchester City having had already two bids rejected.

"I think Brendan Rodgers should let Raheem Sterling leave for Manchester City now. The sooner he leaves the better for all involved. All this transfer talk is making a mockery of Liverpool Football Club," he said.

"Raheem is obviously a hugely talented player but Liverpool have a top replacement in Jordon Ibe. I've been watching Jordon play since he was 15. He's a terrific player and has bags of potential. In fact I think he's got as much, if not more, potential than Raheem and will go on to be a better player.

"For the sake of Liverpool Football Club they should take the millions on offer and then everybody will be better off. Raheem will be a bit richer and Liverpool will be rid of a player who doesn't want to play for the club. It's a win-win."