Mark Lawrenson: Liverpool should splash the cash in signing goal-scoring striker this summer

Mark Lawrenson has urged Liverpool not to rely on Daniel Sturridge and splash the cash on a goal-scoring striker in the summer.

The England international has struggled with injuries throughout the season and he suffered another setback, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. The other three strikers, Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert have struggled to fire this season.

The former Swansea manager has already admitted that signing a striker will be a priority in the upcoming transfer window. Lawrenson claims the Merseyside club need a player, who can score 20-plus goals in a season.

In addition to this, the Reds legend has also advised Rodgers not to depend on Sturridge to lead Liverpool's attack for the next season.

"Another week, another setback for Daniel Sturridge, another reason for Liverpool to spend big on a 20-goals-a-season striker this summer. I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, but it's clear we can't rely on Sturridge's fitness," Lawrenson told the Liverpool Echo.

"Some players can get through games when 80% fit or when carrying knocks, especially at this stage of the season. Sturridge, though, strikes me as someone who needs to be at 100%."

"I'm not saying he doesn't want to play while less than 100%. But perhaps he just can't, whether that be a physical problem or, as is probably more likely, a mental one. Going to Boston now, at least he is giving himself time to be up and running by the time pre-season training starts in July."

"He should be able to, given the advances in sports medicine and rehabilitation. Liverpool will get to the bottom of it," he added.

Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League table and are four points behind fourth place Manchester United. Lawrenson believes the Anfield club may have to end up paying more in order to attract the player, if they miss out on Champions League football next season.

"But even if Sturridge's problem is resolved, we still need another forward. And having missed out on Champions League qualification, we're probably going to have to pay over the odds to attract one of sufficient quality," the Anfield favourite explained.

"Fenway Sports Group are going to have to bite the bullet with that one. Youngsters are all well and good but, as a former team-mate once said, you win nothing when solely relying on them. You need big-game players. You need experience.

"And Liverpool will be lacking that next season unless some is brought in during the summer. That said, if we finish fifth then that's some effort for a team that as played much of the campaign without a striker," Lawrenson concluded.