Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League footballer Carlton Palmer has rejected the idea of Liverpool needing to replace Roberto Firmino to become title challengers again.

Firmino has come under scrutiny this season for his lack of goals, and some have now suggested that the Merseyside club need to sign a new No.9 if they are to enjoy more success in the future. Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland is one name that has popped up, with former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique urging his old side to go all out for the 20-year-old's signature.

For Palmer, though, Liverpool's main problem this season has been at the back following the long-term injury to Virgil van Dijk.

When asked whether he thinks the Premier League champions need to bring in a new No.9 to replace the £180,000-a-week ace this summer, the retired England international told FFC:

"No, I don't. Listen, every club would always like players who score goals, but how you win leagues is by not conceding goals. As you've seen from Man City, that gives the confidence to your front players to go and score you a goal.

"They know it's 0-0 and they've got the ability they have like Man City at the moment, that's the basis of their resurgence, the fact that they've started keeping clean sheets. They were conceding too many goals. So, you know, that's where Liverpool need to get back to now."

Undoubtedly, defence is a huge concern for manager Jurgen Klopp right now. On top of losing Van Dijk, the German has also seen Joe Gomez and Joel Matip fall victim to season-ending injuries.

Bearing that in mind, trying to re-establish a solid and stable back four may be the solution for Klopp next term, rather than forking out on a new forward to replace Firmino.