However, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes a move for Long would be the wrong decision.

Liverpool have seen an enquiry for Republic of Ireland global Shane Long turned down by Southampton, sources have told ESPN FC.

The Independent is reporting that although Southampton rejected an initial Liverpool bid for Long of just eight million pounds, they would be willing to sell him for 12.

Apart from the numerous world class strikers Liverpool are now negotiating with or linked with; the Reds are more interested in signing a striker who has never scored more than 8 goals in a season.

With Daniel Sturridge a near-permanent fixture on the injury list and Christian Benteke flattering to deceive thus far, the Reds could badly do with a striker, as was painfully evident in their 1-0 loss to Manchester United yesterday.

Long's future at Southampton has been placed in doubt following the arrival of Charlie Austin from Queens Park Rangers at the weekend.

"Obviously Jurgen Klopp will have relationships with some players from the past that he might be able to use".

"There's no point bringing in players who aren't better than what you've already got".

"Would you suggest Long is a better player than Benteke?"

Murphy feels Benteke is capable of leading the line at Anfield but Liverpool must tailor their game-plan to suit the big Belgian.

"I don't think it will happen". Liverpool need goalscorers, not Lallana-esque runners, and Long is simply another player who fails to score/create goals on a regular basis.