Danny Murphy has urged his former club Liverpool not to sign Southampton star Shane Long.

Liverpool are in the market to sign a new striker during the January transfer window and it has been reported recently that the Reds have identified Saints ace Long as their main target.

Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy is not impressed by the chase for Long though and has stated that the Republic of Ireland striker will not necessarily improve the current Reds squad.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Murphy said: "The problem is going to be trying to entice players to Anfield without the Champions League.

"Obviously Jurgen Klopp will have relationships with some players from the past that he might be able to use.

"But there's no point bringing in players who aren't better than what you've already got. I certainly wouldn't suggest that Long is a better player than (Christian) Benteke? I don't think so."