Liverpool are set to lose Daniel Sturridge, likely to a Premier League rival, with the England striker poised to leave the club in January, The Daily Mirror reports.
What’s the word?
Having fallen down the pecking order this season, Daniel Sturridge’s future at Anfield has been shrouded in speculation this season as he finds the likes of Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi ahead of him- with Jurgen Klopp not wanting the England striker.
Sturridge, who’s previously failed to make the grade with Manchester City and Chelsea, has crucially now accepted that moving on is the right move and he’s ready to quit the club in January- which will spark a huge tussle for his signature.
Where he goes now is anyone’s guess but there’s already been reports of interest in his signature.
Who’s in the running?
West Ham and Stoke City are two of the clubs linked with interest in Daniel Sturridge, with the England striker likely having to take a step down a tier to a European chasing side after struggling to prove his worth to three Champions League clubs.
The Hammers are desperate for a top-class striker to propel them to glory at their new London Stadium and signing Sturridge would be a huge move, providing a knock-on affect onto the rest of their squad as it would signal their intention to become contenders.
Stoke, meanwhile, already have Wilfried Bony on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City but, like the Hammers, are floundering at the wrong end of the table. Given the choice between the two, West Ham seem the favoured option.
Top-four wise, there is little chance of Sturridge staying in the Champions League unless Arsenal decide to take a punt or Tottenham Hotspur lose Harry Kane.
Are Liverpool making a mistake?
Liverpool are really fighting a winless battle, as they were always set to suffer. Their strike-force has been electric this season, leaving Sturridge with no chance of pushing his way into the side, but a player like Sturridge needs regular football.
Without a doubt, Sturridge will come back to haunt his former employers in the Premier League as his record of 43 goals in 77 Premier League appearances for the Reds tells the story. Having said that, there’s a high chance he could be injured whenever Liverpool come around.
Likely to demand around £28m for the striker, Liverpool will end up making a decent amount of money from the striker’s sale and there wasn’t really any other choice Jurgen Klopp could have made.