STURRIDGE SET FOR TALKS AS DEPARTURE BECKONS

DANIEL STURRIDGE is set for crunch talks with Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, with the Liverpool striker’s departure appearing increasingly likely, WRITES JOHN PERCY.

Liverpool manager Klopp has confirmed he will hold discussions with Sturridge over his future following another difficult season for the England international.

Sturridge has made only five Premier League starts this campaign, scoring just one goal in 2017, and there is a sense that his troubled spell at Anfield is coming to an end after four years.

Liverpool will demand around £30 million for the 27-year-old, who is understood to have attracted interest from West Ham United, Stoke City and a number of clubs overseas, including the cash-rich Chinese Super League.

Earlier this season, Sturridge admitted his frustration over a lack of first-team opportunities, insisting “no one wants to sit on the bench”, and a parting of the ways seems inevitable.

Klopp said: “I have no idea what happens in the summer. It is not only Daniel but a lot of players. Daniel was not in training for eight or nine days because of a virus infection.

“We have to bring him back to the best shape possible and then bring this season to an end as successfully as possible.

“Then we will make decisions and speak about Daniel and any other players about what will happen at the end of the season. A lot of things will influence this and we can speak about it when it is time.”

Liverpool signed Sturridge for £12m from Chelsea in January 2013, but Klopp has endured problems trying to get the best out of the talented forward.

Injuries have disrupted Sturridge’s progress for the past three years, with Klopp’s predecessor, Brendan Rodgers, deciding he had no choice but to consider his availability a bonus.

Yet Sturridge’s reputation across Europe remains high and there will be no shortage of takers in the summer, despite his limited appearances over the past 12 months. (© Daily Telegraph, London)