Mark Lawrenson: 'Daniel Sturridge injury will force Liverpool signings'

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes that Daniel Sturridge's four-month injury layoff could see the club's owners invest heavily in a striker this summer.

The England international was ruled out of the beginning of next season after undergoing a hip operation in the United States earlier this week.

Lawrenson thinks that Sturridge's absence will force owners Fenway Sports Group into action when the transfer window reopens.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "Strangely, Daniel Sturridge's latest injury may not be the worst thing that could happen to Brendan Rodgers. And it may well give the club's owners Fenway Sports Group a kick up the backside.

"With Sturridge out until at least October, Liverpool know they will be without a striker for the start of the season.

"Now Rodgers can go to the owners and suggest they revise what they are looking for. The evidence will be there. Sturridge is injured and the other three strikers just haven't done it this season."

Liverpool have been linked with Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette and Burnley's Danny Ings.