Liverpool identify prolific striker to end weak Anfield scoring record

Liverpool could desperately do with a prudent striker to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League and Jermain Defoe is one name being linked with a move to Anfield.

Andy Carroll has taken longer than expected to settle into life at Anfield, with one reason possibly being a problem adapting his game appropriately.

At Newcastle, Carroll was the focal point of every attack and the team’s strategy was geared towards providing ample service to the striker.

However, the same cannot be said at Liverpool, although the return of Steven Gerrard may offer some more consistent and accurate service into the box.

Aside from Carroll, Dirk Kuyt has not scored yet this season and despite his effort and impact, even Luis Suarez has not really been prolific enough to fire them into the top four with just five league goals.

Far too many draws at home have been Liverpool’s underlying problem, but a striker with the predatory instincts of Defoe could add a new dimension to their game.

If rumours are to be believed then Kenny Dalglish is weighing up a £10m move for the Tottenham hitman.

Defoe has still struggled to hold down a regular starting spot at Spurs, despite scoring an impressive five goals in his seven starts and seven in the Premier League altogether this season.

With Defoe also keen to make the England squad for Euro 2012, a move from Tottenham to gain more regular first-team football mat be exactly what is required to force his way back into Fabio Capello’s plans.

Liverpool are still unbeaten at home in the top flight this season, but they have drawn seven of these 11 games after their goalless stalemate with Stoke, scoring just 14 times in these fixtures.

They are now five points adrift of the top four in seventh spot and 9/4 in the Premier League odds to finish in the top four at the end of the season.