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News of yet another set-back for Daniel Sturridge has Liverpool FC fans panicking.

The travails of their front line are well-documented.

Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have now played over 1,000 minutes of league football without a goal, with questions over just how the club have ended up in such a situation.

It's easy to forget what could have been this summer. The Reds were in the hunt for Alexis Sanchez before the Chilean move to Arsenal, and were close to completing an £8m move for Loic Remy before the Frenchman failed his medical.

The club also registered interest in Karim Benzema, Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao – but the “marquee” signing they sought eluded them.

January brings new hope. The Reds – both fans and staff – recognise the need for a striker when the transfer window reopens. The club must act once 2015 is here.

Who could be in the running? Who should the Reds look at? Here's a run-down at those currently in-form around Europe, and those who could bring Anfield the boost it needs.

Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon)

Estimated cost: £20m

Lacazette, Ligue 1's top goalscorer this season, would bring one thing Brendan Rodgers would love: the ability to improve even further.

The best purchases throughout Rodgers' reign have been young players who were struggling to realise their enormous potential – namely Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho.

Lacazette, 23, is starting to realise his – and now would be the best time to bring him to English football.

After just 10 league goals in his first three seasons in France, Lacazette hit 15 last season (22 in all competitions). This season, he's been even better, with 11 goals in 13 games.

The French international is quick with the ball at his feet, taking on players at will; he is currently 11th out of Europe's major five leagues for successful dribbles with 35.

He also has incredible pace, good movement and is quite composed in front of goal. With 72% shot accuracy this season, he finds the target more often than Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Ciro Immobile.

His ability to play both up front and out wide – but predominately as a striker – would also suit the Reds.

Saido Berahino (West Bromwich Albion)

Estimated cost: £25m

On his first start for West Brom, Berahino scored a hat-trick. It was against Newport County in the Capital One Cup, granted, but he is a striker who very much started as he meant to go on.

The 21-year-old has exploded onto the scene after an impressive maiden season saw him score nine goals in all competitions. He's almost equalled that tally after just 11 appearances this season.

Good with the ball at his feet, the Burundi-born striker is quick, intelligent in his movement and gives a real all-action feel to his game.

He can also be utilised out wide on the right, which would suit the Reds.

With just three players scoring more than him in the Premier League this season - those three being Aguero, Sanchez and Diego Costa – the youngster is already adapted to the league and would hit the ground running and scoring.

Edinson Cavani (PSG)

Estimated cost: £30m

It didn't happen in the summer, but that's no reason to give up hope this winter. Whispers of Cavani's unhappiness in the French capital have become louder, with former PSG goalkeeper Jerome Alonzo telling local media the Uruguayan was unhappy. “His eyes no longer sparkle,” he said.

Anfield may put the shine back into the 27-year-old, who is supposedly unhappy at being shifted out wide to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish striker has been out injured for two months and only returned in PSG's 2-0 win over Marseille on November 9; in his absence, Cavani has scored six goals in 12 games in a central position.

Perhaps Cavani will once again pine for a central role when Ibrahimovic fully returns. The Reds will lurk if so, knowing they can get a top-quality striker who can both lead the line and play as part of a two up-front.

Jackson Martinez (FC Porto)

Estimated cost: £30m

The Reds have been linked with the Colombian international over the past few months, although whether they truly are interested remains to be seen.

On the surface, signing a 28-year-old valued at £30m doesn't appear the smartest piece of business – and something that contradicts the club's usual transfer policy.

But Martinez is a consistent goalscorer, one who is strong and powerful. After 20 goals in 30 league appearances last season, he has seven in 10 in Portugal this season. In fact, he has hit 20 goals in each of his past three seasons (one with Chiapas, two with Porto) and looks set to again.

That sort of pedigree can't be discounted, especially from a club who have previously sourced Falcao, Hulk and James Rodriguez.

Martinez also has five goals in five starts in the Champions League this season, showing his adaptability to the highest level. He would be expensive, but he would be proven, too.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Estimated cost: £35m - £40m

The wildcard. Ultimately, Benzema is unlikely. The Reds went for him in the summer and now he is enjoying one of his best seasons for Real, starting up front regularly and plundering in goals – including three against Liverpool in Europe.

He has 11 goals and six assists, highlighting how his all-round game is still continuing to develop. It isn't easy to shine in a side that contains Ronaldo, Rodriguez, Isco et al – but he's been one of the Spanish side's most consistent performers this season.

But Benzema was reportedly annoyed at Real's pursuit of Luis Suarez and, aged 26, could be ready for a new challenge.

He is worth tracking. Quick, clever and a brilliant finisher, Benzema would be an excellent addition to the Reds. Rodgers wanted him in the summer, and he would be foolish to not want him now.



poll loading Which striker should LFC go for? 1000+ VOTES SO FAR Benzema Cavani Lacazette Martinez` Berahino

Honourable mentions:

Mauro Icardi. At just 21-years-old and with seven league goals in a struggling Inter Milan side, his presence up front would be welcome.

Andre-Pierre Gignac. Marseille striker who has thrived under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, scoring 10 league goals in 12 games. A physical presence and typical target man.

Carlos Bacca. A late developer who took La Liga by storm upon arriving at Sevilla last season with 14 goals. The 28-year-old also impressed in the Europa League.

Luiz Adriano. Shakhtar's current man of the moment. The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer in Ukraine, winning six league titles – but shot to true prominence after notching EIGHT goals in two games against BATE Borisov in the Champions League.