Three English Premier League clubs are rumored to be interested in signing Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge when the winter transfer window opens in January.
Sturridge, who just turned 27 earlier this month, had been struggling to find first-team time under head coach Jürgen Klopp this season mainly because of his recurring injuries. With players like Philippe Coutinho and Divock Origi performing well so far in his absences, Sturridge is being left on the bench even during those days that he is completely healthy.
This is said to be an issue for the England international and he is rumored to be considering an exit from the Anfield this January, but only on a loan deal and not a permanent one.
Caught Offside reported that West Ham United, Sunderland, and Stoke City are all "pushing for a January move for the England striker", but there are still no indications whether Klopp would allow such a deal to happen.
The report noted that a "permanent move might be a little tricky, as Sturridge won't want to risk relegation with one of the three, but a 6 month loan deal could do wonders for the player and the club, if he's able to play consistently and score goals".
Liverpool's former first-choice striker, Sturridge has only started three times in the five games Klopp featured him for the Reds this season, as per 90min. The team had already played six matches at the moment.
Klopp had lately been preferring Brazilian Roberto Firmino to start at the center-forward spot with Coutinho and Sadio Mané in the wings in a 4-3-3 formation.
Sturridge is still having problems with his fitness these days as proven by Klopp substituting for him during those three starts. However, the 6-foot-2 Birmingham, England native had reportedly "shown commitment to regaining the fitness levels he had prior to last season".
He remains to be a fan-favorite at the Anfield despite his recent struggles and supporters are said to be hoping that he can regain his 22-goal form during the club's runner-up finish in 2013-2014.
Sturridge is now on his fifth season with the Reds after he was acquired from Chelsea in January of 2013 for £12 million. He had scored 55 goals in 98 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool since then.
