There is no secret of Liverpool's burning desire to sign a top striker this summer, to ease last seasons' issues in front of goal.

The Reds struggled to find the back of the net all of last season, finishing with only half of the goals they had scored in the previous campaign. The likes of Christian Benteke, Alexandre Lacazette and Javier Hernandez have all been linked with potential move to Anfield already this summer.

The latest name on the list is Fiorentina hitman Mario Gomez, andThe Independent is reporting that the move will be a straight loan swap with controversial Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

This is the perfect deal for the Reds and it gives the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Gomez has endured a difficult spell with Fiorentina due to a couple of bad injuries that kept him out of action for lengthy spells. He has never really been able to settle and showcase the goalscoring machine he really is.

At Bayern Munich, the player scored goals for fun, finishing up with an incredible 75 goals in 115 appearances. Liverpool certainly need this type of striker in their ranks.

The German hitman will suit the style at Anfield, he is used to being surrounded by quality, technical footballers. His strength on the ball and poaching nature would also work well in the Premier League.

Gomez will be looking to impress his international manager this season ahead of next summer's European Championships, as he tries to stake a claim for a starting role in France.

A loan deal is an attractive proposition for Liverpool. They get an extended trial on Gomez and although he could take to the Premier League like a house on fire, there is also that slight risk he may flop like Balotelli.

At 30 years of age the German International has not got many years left at the top level, but this should not bring up questions about his ability for at least the next couple of years.

As for the Italian striker, Liverpool need to jump at someone willing to take a final risk on the unpopular player.

It is clear that Liverpool's deal for Balotelli was a risk worth taking, but after that first season its plain to see it has not worked out and the Reds need to cut their losses.

Balotelli doesn't fit into the style at Anfield, he is often lazy on the pitch and fails to press defenders the way manager Brendan Rodgers desires. The swap certainly helps Liverpool more than Fiorentina and Rodgers should be doing all he can to push the deal through.