Liverpool transfer targets: Sign Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi says Phil Thompson

Liverpool have been advised to attempt to sign Argentina pair Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi to cure the club's attacking problems and offset the disappointment of Steven Gerrard's imminent departure.

The Reds have netted 28 goals in 20 Premier League matches, with only Swansea City and Newcastle United in the top half having scored fewer, with Brendan Rodgers' side having enjoyed a fraction of the success they had in front of goal last season.

Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have netted just one top-flight goal between them this season, with Daniel Sturridge having been out with separate thigh injuries since August.

The club have therefore been urged to add to their front line in the January transfer window, with West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino heavily linked with a £23m move to Anfield.

But Liverpool legend Phil Thompson says Berahino, who fuelled rumours regarding his future after not celebrating any of his four goals scored against Gateshead in the FA Cup, would be the wrong choice and would prefer see a more established name targeted.

"I would not like to think that Berahino is their prime target as a striker," Thompson told Sky Sports.

"Yes Liverpool do need one with injuries to Daniel Sturridge and the difficulties that Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli have had at the football club.

"Rodgers likes his forwards to have pace. You see Raheem Sterling currently playing as an out-and-our centre forward, and he has done very well, but maybe he does not possess that finishing quality of Berahino.

"I think that Liverpool need someone who is a bit more established and who has played at a higher level like Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi, somebody of that ilk to come in following the news about Steven Gerrard's departure.

"So for me, I would not go for Berahino, although I can see the advantages of having him, but I tell you what, he has to change his attitude."