Steven Gerrard backs Liverpool signing Danny Ings to become a top star at Anfield

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool summer signing Danny Ings has what it takes to become "a top striker" at Anfield.

The Merseysiders announced earlier in June that the 22-year-old forward will join the club once his contract with Burnley expires on 1 July.

The Sunday Times recently revealed a tribunal may set a fee above that of the current record for a free agent: the £6.5m Chelsea paid Manchester City for Daniel Sturridge in 2010.

Whatever the cost may be, former captain Gerrard has hailed Ings' arrival, saying he has the talent to "be what he wants to be".

"The Ings [transfer] I'm really excited about because he can be what he wants to be – I know the talent's there, he's very young, he's fresh," the club legend told Liverpool's official club website.

"I think if he carries on learning and developing he can become a top striker and we love top strikers, so it's there for them, the stage is there and I wish him the best of luck and I'm looking forward to watching him play."

Ings scored 11 goals last season at Burnley, but was unable to save them from relegation. Some have claimed Brendan Rodgers still needs to sign a world class top scorer to lead his attack.

Gerrard, meanwhile, has warned fans to be patient with Ings, but believes that playing in a bigger environment like Anfield next season can eventually take his ability to another level.

"He might be the type of player that needs that bigger club, and does thrive on the pressure. He's certainly got the platform there at one of the best clubs in the world to showcase his talents.

"For me, the supporters just need to be patient with him, he's still very young and I'm sure he'll get eased in gently. But, as I say, I'm really looking forward to watching him play.

"Hopefully he can get some goals early on which will give him the confidence that'll make him feel like he belongs there."