Liverpool and Everton to go to battle over 13 goal striker

How do Liverpool replace Luis Suarez? It’s a question that has been asked on numerous occasions but the answer invites a mixed response. Some say that at least two players will needed to replace the Uruguayan, yet based on the way the Reds finished the season without him some argue that one quality frontman will be enough. One man who is now being linked, via the Sun, is Wigan Athletic centre-forward Arouna Kone.

Roberto Martinez has now been confirmed as Everton boss and was thought to be the frontrunner to sign Kone from his previous club but the Reds will apparently look to trigger the £6.5m that is in the Ivorian’s contract.

The 29-year-old struck 13 goals in his debut season in the Premier League but it was not enough to save Wigan from the drop, and although they won the FA Cup after beating Manchester City they will start next season sat in the second tier of English football – something that Kone is not likely to accept.

Daniel Sturridge will be Liverpool’s only real forward when the new season rolls around yet there are doubts whether he will be fit enough to make it, so Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to smuggle in some extra quality into Anfield before they find out.