Danny Murphy reacts to reports Liverpool want Shane Long

Danny Murphy has urged Liverpool to forget about signing Southampton striker Shane Long.

The Reds have been linked with an approach for the Republic of Ireland international as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his attacking options at the Merseyside club.

Shane Long? Really?! No, no, no, no, no

Danny Murphy

Long is facing increased competitions for a starting spot at St Mary’s after the Saints signed Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin in a £4m deal at the weekend.

The Irishman, who scored a brilliant brace in a 4-0 win against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Boxing Day, is thought to command a price tag in the region of £8m.

However, former Liverpool midfielder Murphy doesn’t believe Long would be a significant improvement on the options already available to Reds manager Klopp.

“Shane Long? Really?! No, no, no, no, no,” Murphy told talkSPORT.

“There’s no point bringing in players who aren’t better than what you’ve already got.

“Would you suggest Long is a better player than Benteke? I don’t think so.”

On Monday, Murphy’s former Liverpool team-mate Dietmar Hamann backed the Reds’s reported pursuit of the Saints striker.

I like him. Think he would be a good signing. Team lacks bite up front since Suarez left. https://t.co/rNNaciO7gH

— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) January 18, 2016

No one out there and if there are it's unlikely they choose Liverpool over Chelsea,Arsenal or United at the moment https://t.co/BwSLLhsHw8

— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) January 18, 2016

Goal vs Germany wasn't too shabby. Even if he doesn't score he always contributes, can't be said for too many at LFC https://t.co/kp64o3YJlj

— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) January 18, 2016

Long has scored five goals in 14 Premier League games so far this season, although the Irishman has only started nine top-flight games.