Liverpool Set Sights on Southampton Striker Jay Rodriguez

Liverpool have turned their attention to Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez after pulling out of a deal for Queens Park Rangers striker Loic Remy.

According to talkSPORT, the Reds have turned their attention on the England international, who is currently recovering from a anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during the second half of last season.

Rodriguez was in impressive form for the Saints during the previous Premeir League campaign, and was in the frame to make the 23-man England squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but the sudden injury put paid to his dream of representing England at the tournament.

Liverpool have been linked to the former Burnley star earlier in the summer, but pursued other targets like Wilfried Bony and Loic Remy. But with both those deals looking dead, they have again turned their attention to the Southampton forward.

The Merseyside club have targeted the Saints this summer and have already lured their top stars Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren to Anfield.

It now looks like the 24-year-old striker's head has also been turned. Rodriguez has been offered a new contract to extend his stay at St Mary's but has held back from signing it after seeing so many of his club team-mates leave for bigger Premier League clubs.

Liverpool are not the only club interested in acquiring his services, as the report claims that Manchester City are also interested in taking the player to the Etihad stadium. However, the Reds will surely have the edge as he will have the chance to link up with his former colleagues.

Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has praised his forwards after their pre-season friendly win over Olympiakos on Sunday in Chicago. It was the a new look forward line with Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and new signing Lazar Markovic.

The Reds boss was highly impressed with their display and feels they can only get better as the season progresses.

"I've seen a difference in Daniel since he came back. He has obviously got confidence from the World Cup and his season last year," Rodgers said, as quoted on Liverpool's official site.

"I think he's ready to take on the mantle. He got 20-odd goals last season so he's a striker of great value.

"Markovic will only get better and better. He showed great strength when he burst through and hopefully later on when he picks up that speed and sharpness in his game, he'll go on and finish that.

"We've got good speed. Raheem Sterling is always a threat - he's a joy to watch. I thought those three were really exciting," the Northern Irishman added.