Liverpool transfer news: Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain must be signed says Phil Thompson

Former Liverpool midfielder Phil Thompson has repeated his desire to see Brendan Rodgers sign either Gonzalo Higuain or Ezequiel Lavezzi to overhaul of his attack.

Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli have netted just three league goals between them this season, contributing to the Reds' exit from the Champions League group stage and failure to challenge for the Premier League title.

Daniel Sturridge has not started a game since August due to two separate thigh injuries, a blow accentuated by last summer's sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

And Thompson, who has previously been scathing regarding Liverpool's attacking resources, says Rodgers must revamp his front line and accept bids for the struggling Borini and Balotelli.

"I always like to see another striker coming in, and especially now with Brendan Rodgers having to play Raheem Sterling up front on his own," he told Sky Sports.

"He doesn't seem to hold complete confidence in Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini or Mario Balotelli. So I would like to see, and I think Brendan said this himself, an experienced striker like Gonzalo Higuain or [Ezequiel] Lavezzi.

"They've always been my favoured targets. If he gets the right offer for either Borini or Balotelli I think one of them could be heading out the door before the transfer window closes."

Though Liverpool signed 11 new players during the last summer transfer window (with striker Divock Origi sent back to Lille on loan), the club would require another significant spending spree to capture the duo.

Lavezzi, who has reportedly been made surplus to requirements at Paris Saint-Germain, could be available for £17m while Higuain, who has netted 12 goals in 20 league appearances this season, is currently valued at £31.2m.

Balotelli's return to English football has been particularly harrowing, having netted just one goal in all competitions since joining from AC Milan last summer, with speculation rife over his long-term future at Liverpool.

But Rodgers has been quick to quash those suggestions, stating: "I've seen some bits suggesting that's him done here. That's not the case at all.

"I've shown in my time here that if players who have been out the fold for various reasons work hard every day in training and show intensity and focus then they have every chance of getting back in the side and staying there."