Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert interests West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has confirmed his interest in signing Liverpool flop Rickie Lambert. The England international made just seven Premier League starts last season, scoring twice in his maiden campaign with his boyhood club after moving from Southampton.

The arrival of Belgian duo Divock Origi – following a season on loan at Lille – and Christian Benteke from Aston Villa sees Lambert tumble further down the Liverpool pecking order. And Pulis has revealed that Liverpool are looking to offload the 33 year old this summer as they seek to clear the decks ahead of the new campaign – with West Brom keen on signing him.

"Rickie is available," he told the Birmingham Mail. "Liverpool have made that known. We'd be interested. It's very important that we get players who will score goals. Rickie's got a great goalscoring record.

"From what I can gather from people at Liverpool his fitness levels are very very good, and he is desperate to play football. He didn't play last year so it's like bringing a brand new car out of the garage if we did sign him. Just putting a bit of petrol in it and letting it run."

With Daniel Sturridge missing much of the campaign due to injury, the triumvirate of Lambert, Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini scored just eight goals between them in all competitions.

Bologna have confirmed their intention to sign Balotelli after director of sport Pantaleo Corvino indicated his club could afford the Italy international. Meanwhile, Tuttosport understands that fellow countryman Borini is subject to interest from Torino, as Brendan Rodgers continues to streamline his squad.