Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson has told Reds boss Jurgen Klopp that the club need to re-sign Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho or somebody of a similar mould to start unlocking defences again.
Since leaving Anfield in January 2018 for a fee north of £100m, Coutinho's Barcelona career has not gone to plan.
He has failed to have a significant impact for the Spanish giants, so much so that he is currently out on loan with German club Bayern Munich, who he has been with since the start of the season.
And with Bayern looking unlikely to trigger the clause that they have available to sign the Brazilian international on a permanent basis, there is a high chance that the 27-year-old could be on the hunt for a new club this summer, with a return to Liverpool having been whispered by some.
And with his Barcelona future in serious doubt, Thompson has suggested that the Reds should explore the option of re-signing the midfield architect this summer.
Appearing on Sky Sports News, Thompson said: "I still think we need another striker and maybe a little bit more back-up for Andy Robertson. We're not too bad at centre-back, and I would like to think we are well-blessed in midfield.
"I don't think the Philippe Coutinho one would ever come off again, to get him back, but it's that sort of player that we actually need to unlock packed defences."
Follow the latest Liverpool news and transfers HERE for Timo Werner boost
Recently, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinze Rummenigge issued an update on the former Inter Milan midfielder's future.
"Why is it [the transfer] not decisive? This is a difficult question," Rummenigge told Sport Blid. "I think he played well in some games while in others he gave the impression of being a little inhibited.
"Everyone tries to help him, the coach, his teammates. Now we have to hope that in the crucial weeks starting now, he will become an important factor in helping us win titles."
Last month, Reds skipper Jordan Henderson spoke about how much the midfield star is still "adored" at Anfield.
Speaking to Sport, a Spanish media outlet, Henderson said: "Phil is a good friend of mine. I think he's an exceptional footballer, he has it all, he has a great attitude and he loves football.
"So, of course, for me, he would be welcome back, but it doesn't depend on me.
"It's probably best to ask the manager that. The guys adore him, so if you ask any of them, I am sure they would say they would love to have him back.
"But I think his time here has passed, he's moved and I hope that in the near future we see the same Phil that we saw here."
