Liverpool urged to complete shock move for Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe

Liverpool should sign talismanic Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe at the end of the season, according to former Chelsea and Marseille forward Tony Cascarino. Defoe is set to leave the relegated Black Cats at the end of the campaign and, despite being starved of service for much of the campaign, has managed to plunder 14 goals for David Moyes' struggling side this season.

The former West Ham United and Bournemouth hitman is currently in the twilight of his career and a move to Anfield is rather unlikely, but Cascarino thinks Jurgen Klopp should try to sign Defoe. He drew comparisons between the England international, who has failed to find the back of the net in his last 10 matches, and Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"One player I would take in for Liverpool, who is clinical, is [Jermain] Defoe," Cascarino told talkSPORT. "It is a bit like the Zlatan Ibrahimovic move that Manchester United did, when you go and get a guy who has been around for years, a talisman.

"I would go for Defoe. He would fit in to Liverpool's style, the short passing, little interchange movements, quick feet, chances in front of goal. He is clinical. I would take Jermain for a year. A bit like Manchester United did with Zlatan, I would get Jermain - and they would get him."

A move for Defoe is rather left-field, but Liverpool manager Klopp is keen to add another striker to his ranks during the summer transfer window.

A new forward arriving could spell the end of Daniel Sturridge's time at Anfield, but he and the rest of his Liverpool teammates are currently focusing on achieving Champions League qualification, which could edge ever closer if they manage to secure three vital points when they host Claude Puel's Southampton, who knocked them out of the Capital One Cup, on Sunday (7 May).