Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen feels that replacing Luis Suarez would be "near impossible" for the club.
Suarez's future has been the subject of speculation for the majority of the summer after the former Ajax man repeatedly said that he wanted to leave Anfield for pastures new.
Arsenal have made two bids for Suarez this summer, both of which have been rejected and Owen, who played for the Reds from 1996 to 2004, thinks that success this season will hinge on whether or not the club can keep their talismanic forward.
"Replacing [Suarez] would be near-impossible and more than one forward replacement will have to be brought in to replicate his goals tally," Owen told Sportlobster.
"Much depends on [Liverpool's] star man. If he goes it could be an uphill battle for Brendan Rodgers who has urged the fans to be patient over the summer months.
"If Suarez stays and a couple more signings join the ranks then the top four could even be within their sights."
A recent report claimed that Suarez is ready to perform a sensational U-turn and sign a new contract with the Reds.
Paul Gorst
