There is no doubt that Liverpool will look to buy a new striker when the January transfer window reopens, and one of their prime targets is Shane Long.
The West Brom forward has been in electric form for his club, helping them to third in the table, before two straight losses took them down to fifth.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers knows all about Long, having managed him during his time at Reading, and the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international has moved up the pecking order of targets at Anfield.
According to the Daily Star, Long, whose contract with the Baggies runs until 2015, would be open to a move to Anfield, which in turn increases the chances of a potential signing, with Liverpool set to bid £12 million ($19.2 million).
Meanwhile, Rodgers praised his side's first half display in the 1-0 win over Southampton Saturday. "I thought the first half was as good as we've played, consistently," he said. "We've done it over many bursts in games but it was systematic and continual.
"We're seeing the ideas about passing and moving and passing and being free. We're building the game from behind and trying to tire teams out with the ball.
"I can see great improvements and I enjoyed watching my team today.
"The domination in the game was terrific, the method in our game, the way we passed and created chances was fantastic. Our only disappointment was the final ball. Apart from that, I thought we were sensational.
"The shape of the team was very, very good. They all shared the ball, they all pressed very well."
The game also saw the return of Lucas Leiva, who made a comeback from three months out due to injury.
"His coming back allows the two advanced midfielders to play in that central corridor higher up the pitch and getting in the box," Rodgers added.
"He gives us great stability when we haven't got the ball, he intercepts, his transition is good, he gets the ball back quickly. He knows the game, he can read the game."
