Any Liverpool fans who are hoping we break the bank for a world-class striker this summer will be left disappointed.
It’s simply not in Jurgen Klopp’s plans – despite Coutinho and Sadio Mane being our top scorers in the Premier League last term with 13.
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When asked about prospective interest in Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Pearce shrugged it off – before claiming we’d only bid for Mbappe if the teenager actively sounded out a transfer to England.
“It’s just gossip. Not aware of Liverpool showing any interest in either him [Lacazette] or Aubameyang this summer,” he began.
“If Mbappe wanted a move to the Premier League, Liverpool would be prepared to bid for him, but I don’t expect that to happen.
“I think the only way we’ll see Liverpool buy a striker this summer is if Sturridge says he wants out.”
It looked for much of 2017 that Sturridge’s sale would be a formality, but his resurrection towards the end of the season, in which he started our final two games (scoring once) may have saved him.
When fit, he’s a tremendous option – and Liverpool might be giving the talented Englishman (who’s still only 27) one more chance to prove his worth.
It would be fantastic if Sturridge proved his doubters wrong, but if he spends much of the campaign on the sidelines or lacking full match-sharpness, it could cost us – because Roberto Firmino isn’t prolific.