Liverpool Transfer News: Steven Gerrard Demands Striker, Carlos Tevez Rumours

Steven Gerrard has demanded that Liverpool sign a top striker this summer in order to hit the heights of last season and return to the Champions League.

According to David Maddock of the Mirror, the talismanic midfielder, who is due to leave Anfield at the end of the season for LA Galaxy, said:

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To get into the top four, you are going to need a striker who can score 25-30 goals a season. That is just the way it is. That is where we came short this season.

It was always going to be tough when we lost Luis Suarez [sold to Barcelona last summer], but I thought we could definitely finish in the top four positions if we kept Daniel Sturridge fit and he could perform like he did alongside Luis.

I don’t want to stand on the owners or Brendan’s toes—I am just speaking as a fan. But that is what we need to do. I wouldn’t buy any more potential in the short-term. I would buy players that are ready to come and fight and win and be successful.

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The 34-year-old's plea is understandable given the dreadful situation Liverpool have had up front this season. 

The Reds' trio of Daniel Sturridge, Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli have scored just seven league goals between them this campaign, per WhoScored.com.

Balotelli in particular has rightly come in for criticism, with Infostrada Sports and Squawka offering compelling reasons why:

Per Maddock, Gerrard also reaffirmed his belief that Liverpool have the right man in charge, despite Brendan Rodgers' failure to deliver Champions League football for next season. If Rodgers was to leave, there would be no shortage of managers who could potentially replace him in the Anfield hot seat:

One possible answer to Liverpool's striking woes is Carlos Tevez. According to Jamie McLaughlin of Metro, via Paul Philbin of the Liverpool Echo, the Reds are rumoured to be enquiring after the Argentinian hit man.

The former Manchester United and Manchester City forward would fit Gerrard's desire for a prolific, proven striker.

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Tevez has scored 29 goals and assisted eight others in all competitions this season, according to WhoScored.com. That form has helped the Old Lady to a Serie A title and a Champions League final along the way.

However, while the Liverpool captain is right that Rodgers should buy more proven players than those with potential, Tevez may not quite be the forward the Reds need.

At 31, Tevez would be a short-term signing, but he would still cost Liverpool big money in order to acquire his signature.

Of course, if they return to the Champions League places then he would arguably be worth the investment, but adding a player with his own history of controversies to a front line that also features Balotelli could prove a volatile mix.

Tevez is assuredly a quality, proven forward, but his temperament and age should be strongly taken into consideration ahead of a potential bid.