Mark Lawrenson: Liverpool are right in their ongoing pursuit of Burnley striker Danny Ings

Mark Lawrenson believes Liverpool are right in chasing Danny Ings and hints that the Burnley striker can be an ideal replacement for Mario Balotelli at Anfield.

The Italian international was signed from AC Milan last summer and he has been a flop for the Reds as he is yet to score a goal for his side in the Premier League. On the other hand, the 22-year-old has already scored seven goals and managed three assists in 20 league appearances.

Ings' form has seen him attract interest from Liverpool, while their league rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in signing the Burnley star. The former Reds defender claims the English striker can walk into any top club.

"There were plenty of surprised looks when it emerged Liverpool are interested in Burnley striker Danny Ings," Lawrenson told the Liverpool Echo.

"But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. Ings is only 22, has scored goals for a team in the bottom six of the Premier League and is only going to get better."

"Compare that to Mario Balotelli who, despite so many chances, is showing no sign of improving."

"Ings can walk into any club at the end of the season, and if Liverpool are cute they could strike a deal now. Ings is only going to get better. Whenever I've seen him for England's under-21 side, he has looked really good."

"Most of the time Burnley are chasing the ball and the opposition, which doesn't help him as he's a goalscorer. But when the Clarets have had more of the ball, Ings has done well," he added.

Meanwhile, Lawrenson admitted that it is unlikely that his former club would splash the cash in bringing in new faces to Anfield on the deadline day of the winter transfer window.

"It's no secret, though, that Liverpool can't make any major signings before the transfer window unless they move a few players out. Certainly, there won't be any great splashing of the cash," the Anfield favourite said.

"But there will be contingency plans in place. Liverpool's transfer committee will have targets, and if they believe they have a better chance of getting them in January then they may push the boat out."

"That said, I can't really see there being much activity before the window slams shut on Monday evening," Lawrenson concluded.