Liverpool need 'top striker' in the summer transfer window says Jamie Carragher

Liverpool must sign a "top striker" to belatedly replace Luis Suarez and ensure the club do not lose ground on the top four, according to former defender Jamie Carragher.

With Daniel Sturridge out injured for much of the season, Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli have all failed to get into double figures this term, with the trio having contributed just eight goals between them in all competitions.

Divock Origi will join Liverpool on a permanent basis following a season-long loan spell at Lille to help bolster the attack but further resources could be required with the 20-year-old Belgian facing his first season in the Premier league.

And with Sturridge set to miss the start of the campaign after underdoing hip surgery in New York the need for further strikers has intensified and Carragher says combined with several summer exits, Liverpool must sign a new forward.

"Liverpool need goals," Carragher told Sky Sports. "Obviously if you take Luis Suarez out the team the goals will go down because we are talking about maybe the best striker in the world.

"However, with Daniel Sturridge's injury keeping him out of the side for an extended period of time Liverpool need goals and not just from a striker, but from attacking players as well.

"When you think about it, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho need to add more goals to their game but in terms of what Liverpool need, especially with the news of Sturridge's injury, they need a striker.

"They need a top striker to go with Divock Origi, who is coming in from Lille, and Sturridge when he comes back.

"Unfortunately the strikers already at the club haven't produced and they have not got the goals that we needed. You would expect two, maybe three, of them to move on and Liverpool would need to reinforce in attack."