If Liverpool do sign a striker, this Southampton ace is the perfect candidate

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The Reds have been linked with a move for England international Jay Rodriguez.

It would appear to the naked eye that Liverpool have taken enough from Southampton this summer to last a lifetime.

And yet, despite already signing Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana from the Saints, reports have tipped Brendan Rodgers to sign Jay Rodriguez.

With Lazar Markovic also expected to sign for the Anfield club, there is an argument to suggest the Reds don’t actually need another centre-forward, with Daniel Sturridge, Lambert and Fabio Borini already in place.

However, if Rodgers is to move for another striker, the first thoughts that come to mind amid recent speculation are why not Rodriguez?

As Opta stats show, the 24-year-old scored more Premier League goals last season than any other current Liverpool player bar Daniel Sturridge.

On the ball, England international Rodriguez also impressed, winning more dribbles than Sturridge, Steven Gerrard and Lambert, while Gerrard and Lambert were the only pair to beat Rodriguez’s tally of won aerial duels.

Although Liverpool will have to allow for Rodriguez to recover from his long-term knee injury, then, the Saints striker could add a lot Anfield, especially as he could link up well with Lambert and Lallana.

Depending on price, he could also present a better option than Wilfried Bony, who the Reds have apparently been put off due to his £19 million valuation. Conflicting reports suggest a deal could be on, however.

Bony enjoyed an equally impressive campaign last term, especially in the air. But Rodriguez could come much cheaper, is better with the ball at feet and is a year younger.

Whether Southampton will sell another star is perhaps more of a potential stumbling block, though.