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Liverpool's efforts to bring in depth at striker during the January window didn't quite live up to expectations. Most had hoped they would bring in another goalscorer given the struggles of Daniel Sturridge to stay fit and Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert, and Mario Balotelli to score goals. Aside from the recall of Jordon Ibe, though, nothing happened on the way in, and they will play out the final few months of the season in hopes they can keep Sturridge healthy.
They did make an approach for Burnley's Danny Ings, however, with the relegation strugglers quick turn down the possibility that the 22-year-old would be leaving. There was talk of a deal to buy him and immediately loan him back to Turf Moor, but that would have been in violation of Premier League rules, leaving Liverpool without any immediate payoff for their pursuit.
With Ings' contract set to run out in the summer, Liverpool had made it known that they're like to return for his services, and while there wouldn't be a transfer fee paid, Burnley would receive compensation via tribunal given that Ings is under the age of 24. If reports on Saturday evening are to be believed, the Lancashire club would be hopeful of getting more than the £4m Liverpool were rumored to offer in January, looking to break the record that was set when Daniel Sturridge went from Manchester City to Chelsea for £6.5m.
Again, that's not an overwhelming sum of money, but it is getting close to a fee that could be obstructive in the club's pursuit of further, proven attacking talent. Most agree that Liverpool need to get another striker this summer, and while Ings is certainly a player of promise, he's not likely to top the wishlist.
