Steven Gerrard has urged the Liverpool board to supply manager Brendan Rodgers with the funds to sign a top-class striker this summer or face the threat of being frozen out of the Premier League's top four.
Gerrard has been forthright in his comments to the media in his final season as Liverpool skipper, and, speaking at his final press conference at the club's Melwood training base, he continued in that vein Thursday.
"To get into the top four, you are going to need a striker who can score 25-30 goals a season. That is just the way it is," Gerrard said. "That is where we came up short this season.
"It was always going to be tough when we lost Luis Suarez [sold to Barcelona], but I thought we could definitely finish in the top four positions if we kept Daniel Sturridge fit and he could perform like he did alongside Luis.
"I don't want to stand on the owners or Brendan's toes. I am just speaking as a fan, but that is what we need to do. I wouldn't buy any more potential in the short-term. I would buy players that are ready to come and fight and win and be successful."
Liverpool have followed a policy of signing youthful rising stars in recent years, with that approach leading to limited success in last summer's transfer market despite spending in excess of £100 million recruiting new players.
Gerrard has suggested that plan now needs to be altered.
"Teams are getting stronger and better year in, year out. Come the summer, you're going to see four or five teams spending big again," he added.
"It's going to be interesting what happens over the next few years. The important thing for the future is that we keep trying to attract world-class players that can help contribute to success. That is how you win games and tournaments. It is as simple as that.
"I think we have got the right owners in charge, the right manager. I think there is a core of potential. The important thing for me -- and this is my opinion -- that if you can add some players to that who are ready."
It has been confirmed that Gerrard will make a speech to the Anfield crowd following his final game as Reds skipper against Crystal Palace on Saturday, with the Liverpool faithful preparing to bid farewell to one of their most celebrated players.