Liverpool ‘definitely’ look set to sign alternative to Firmino, Salah and Mane this summer, says Kirkland

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland says he will be surprised if the runaway Premier League leaders don’t strengthen their attack this summer.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are within touching distance of ending the club’s 30-year title drought and hold a 25-point lead at the top of the table with nine matches remaining.

Liverpool’s ‘fab three’ in 2019/20: Five key things to know…

• Between them Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have scored 59.4% (38/64) of Liverpool’s league goals this season.
• They are the Premier League’s most prolific trio with 38 goals.
• Salah is the club’s leading scorer on 16 goals with Mane (14) and Firmino (8) following.
• Sheffield United (away), Man Utd (away), Brighton (home) and Watford (away) are the only Premier League games that saw the trio failing to score.
• Ex-Reds goalkeeper Chris Kirkland feels his former club will sign an extra forward in the summer to take some of the burden off them.

However, a recent coronavirus outbreak has put a halt to Liverpool’s march, with the Premier League suspending football until April 4.

It remains to be seen whether the league will resume from that day forward or if the postponement is, in fact, stretched.

The news has undoubtedly frustrated supporters, who a day earlier saw their reign as European champions end at the hands of Atletico Madrid, but Kirkland is looking beyond this season.

Klopp has always called on his irresistible front-three — Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane — whenever they’re available, which has led to some believing potential burnout is being suffered by them.

Kirkland feels in order to avoid overwhelming reliance on the trio, who can never guarantee 100% every game, the powers that be at Anfield must provide them with relief in the summer by signing a capable forward.

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“Yes, definitely. I think I’ll be surprised if they don’t; the attacking department, the front three are incredible,” he told Love Sport Radio.

“When one of them is not performing, the other two do but you’re going to go through spells where the front three are not performing and you’re going to need replacements.

“I’d be amazed if they don’t go out and buy somebody else in the summer. It’s difficult to say because when you win the Premier League by 20-plus points, people say, well, you’re mad.

“Winning the Champions League last year as well but you can’t stand still in football, you know that and I’m sure we’ll be making signings so it will be interesting what we’re doing this summer.”