Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler believes the club would be signing the best player in the Championship should they secure a deal for Blackpool winger Thomas Ince.

The Reds are understood to be close to securing a deal to sign the England under-21 international, with Blackpool boss Michael Appleton having confirmed contact from the Premier League side, as their first recruit in the January transfer window.

Having scored 13 goals in 19 starts for the Tangerines, Ince is among the hottest properties in the Championship, and Fowler believes the 20 year old is the best players from the second tier.

Thomas Ince
Ince is among the best in the Championship according to Robbie Fowler.

"I know a lot about Thomas, because I played alongside his dad Paul, and he's got a great attitude - he works incredibly hard and his decision making is excellent for a young player," he said.

"If the move happens, working with Brendan Rodgers will help develop him, and I think Liverpool will be getting a very good young player with the perfect attitude to learn and grow.

"For me, he's the best player in the Championship, a real talent. He has everything, and again, he's going to the right manager."

Fowler has also endorsed the signing of Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge, who has also been heavily linked with a move to Anfield, and who played with the legendry Liverpool forward during his days at Manchester City.

Sturridge left City in 2009 on a free transfer but Fowler believes he saw enough of the 23 year old to suggest he represents a decent investment for Liverpool.

"It seems like Sturridge will go to Anfield. If he does then he will have to work on his team play, because it is clear that's what Rodgers demands from his side," he said.

"It could be really good for his game. He's got a lot of ability, but maybe his awareness hasn't always been the best.

"In the right environment he can develop that, and if he gets the goals Liverpool have been lacking he can have a big impact.

"He was a kid when I was at (Man) City and back then he stood out as an outstanding natural talent, and with the right guidance you can see him getting a lot of goals."