Liverpool urged to 'break the bank' to sign Robert Lewandowski by Dietmar Hamann

Liverpool have been advised to "break the bank" to sign the out-of-favour Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski by ex-midfielder Dietmar Hamann.

Lewandowski played just the last 15 minutes of Bayern's goalless draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday (17 January), while he has often been played out of position by manager Pep Guardiola since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

The Poland international has scored 10 goals in 29 appearances this season but has netted just once in 2015 since the resumption of the Bavarians' campaign which is expected to see them fight on three fronts towards the end of the term.

But with Liverpool expected to launch a bid for at least one striker during the upcoming summer transfer window, with Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli having struggled for goals in their maiden season at Anfield, Haman says Lewandowski should be the priority.

"If you look at Manchester United, I think they could do with a Lewandowski," Hamann told Sky Sports. "At the moment United, Liverpool and even Arsenal... Lewandowski is tailor-made for them.

"He came to Bayern Munich on a free last year but if there was an opportunity to get him out I'd break the bank for him because I think he's the best No 9 in the world.

"He was tailor-made for Dortmund and I think he's tailor-made for two or three English teams where he can play on the counter attack on big pitches where he can run in behind."

Fabio Borini, Balotelli and Lambert have netted just seven goals between them for Liverpool this season, a record which amid the injury absence of Daniel Sturridge contributed to a dire start to the campaign for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Divock Origi will return to Merseyside from a season-long loan spell at Lille ahead of the 2015/16 season but Rodgers remains under pressure to sign a new forward as cover for Sturridge.