Danny Murphy has encouraged Liverpool to retain the services of Daniel Sturridge beyond the end of the season.
The 26-year-old striker recently sparked speculation over his future when he admitted that he did not envisage spending the rest of his career on Merseyside.
Sturridge has had a number of injury problems this season, but his goal record in a Liverpool shirt is positive - 51 in 88 appearances.
With that in mind, the club's former midfielder Murphy has insisted that the Reds would find it tough to secure the services of a better replacement.
"In terms of ability and goalscoring prowess, Sturridge is as good as Liverpool have got and he's one of most talented strikers we've got in this country," he told talkSPORT.
"His goals-to-games ratio for Liverpool is phenomenal and as a striker, what do you do? You score goals! Goals win games and Sturridge is the best striker Liverpool have got.
"The bottom line is, can Liverpool sell Daniel Sturridge and use that money to get someone better? I don't think they can."
Sturridge joined Liverpool from Chelsea for £12m in January 2013.
Liam Apicella
