One area Liverpool have never had a problem with in the last twenty years has been scoring goals. Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez are just some of the great names that have lead the attack for Liverpool in the Premier League.

However, things have been a little different of late, and now manager Brendan Rodgers is searching for the next top-class striker to take their top four bid to the next level.

There has been no secret made of Liverpool's pursuit of Christian Benteke this summer, with new twists on the transfer saga appearing almost daily.

Reports that a deal is now very close to being agreed for the striker have been circulating of late, with Benteke believed to be moving to Merseyside for less than the £32.5m release clause in the Belgian's contract.

Is Benteke the man to solve Liverpool's goalscoring shyness?

The answer has to be NO.

There is no disputing that Benteke is a good striker, and he has almost single handedly kept Aston Villa in the Premier League for the past few seasons with his goals.

On his day Benteke is unplayable, you just need to look at his performance in the FA Cup semi-final against the Reds to see that. This game is, perhaps, what has led to Rodgers' pursuit of the player.

However Aston Villa have always played long ball football up to Benteke to suit his strengths, letting the player's power and aerial threat do the damage. Liverpool just aren't going to do that.

Rodgers' focus since he joined Liverpool as manager has been to move away from that style of football, towards a high intensity, quick and attractive approach. Keeping the ball on the floor has been a priority.

Players like Andy Carroll, Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have all struggled to make an impact at Anfield because of this, so it makes no sense at all trying to sign another big target man.

Especially when there is talk of the move costing over £30 million - both Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres came to Anfield for less. Benteke isn't anywhere near their level.

Of course a proven goalscorer needs to be of the highest priority this summer for Liverpool. They have strengthened their attack with Danny Ings and Roberto Firmino already this summer, but there are doubts about both players' ability to step up to the highest level.

Liverpool have already missed out on a number of other suited targets including Carlos Bacca, Jackson Martinez and Carlos Tevez, who have all moved clubs already.

A technical live wire with an eye for goal is just what Liverpool need in their Champions League pursuit and would be wise to look at Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon, or even, to the displeasure of some fans, Javier Hernandez from rivals Manchester United.

Lacazette finished with 27 goals in Ligue 1 last season and has been compared to Thierry Henry, whilst Hernandez has always had a keen eye for goal and has proved he can perform in the Premier League.

Both would be available for a fraction of the Benteke fee and would improve public perception of Rodgers, who is known for his over spending on arguably average players, during his time at Anfield.

There will be more additions at Anfield this summer that is for certain, the key issue facing Liverpool fans though is will they be the right moves to take the club forward?

[ad_pod id='ricco' align='center']