- The Hammers are reportedly the front runners to sign Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge as he has spent most of his playing minutes coming off the bench, according to reports from Express (via Liverpoolecho)
Sturridge has fallen down the pecking order behind Roberto Firmino as his future at the club is still uncertain and reports suggest that Jurgen Klopp is ready to off-load the England man from Merseyside for a fee of around £25million in the winter transfer window.
However, the Reds’ manager believes otherwise, “My opinion is very good about Daniel, it has never changed,” Klopp said.
“When he came back (from international duty) he was happy to see us again.
“I could see it in his face, in his attitude in training and with the fun he had in the session. That’s a good sign.”
West Ham were keen on a big summer signing last season but they were unable to close a deal on AC Milan striker Bacca. While Zaza has failed to impress under the limelight from his move from Juventus, the Hammers are looking to ship him away to Spanish side Valencia in January.
It has certainly been a frustrating spell for Sturridge, who has qualities and abilities to be a top-class striker but finds himself restricted to the bench on many occasions. Once again Sturridge came on only for a cameo role against Southampton at St. Mary’s on the weekend. He was brought on for the final 10 minutes and couldn’t have a huge impact on the game which ended in a stalemate.
It’s difficult to believe Klopp would even consider any bids for Sturridge in the January window after Danny Ings is suspected to be out for the entire season and Sadio Mane to travel for the AFCON, Sturridge is still to play a big part in Liverpool’s title challenge.