Liverpool have set their asking price for out-of-favour striker Daniel Sturridge, who could leave the Premier League for a new challenge.
Sturridge has not featured for the Reds since December’s 7-0 win over Spartak Moscow in the Champions League, replacing Roberto Firmino for the final 19 minutes at Anfield.
He joined West Brom on loan in the January transfer window but a hamstring injury limited the striker to just six appearances for the Baggies.
The 28-year-old is currently set to report back to Melwood for pre-season training on July 2, but with Firmino established as Jurgen Klopp‘s first choice his prospects are limited.
Rhian Brewster is set to sign a five-year contract ahead of his promotion to the first team, while Dominic Solanke, Divock Origi and Danny Ings will be vying for a backup role too.
Given Sturridge’s fitness issues in recent years, and his questionable suitability within Klopp’s system, he is the most likely to depart in the transfer window.
According to the Telegraph, Liverpool are seeking a £15 million fee for the ex-Chelsea and Man City forward.
Sturridge’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and the Reds are looking to capitalise on any remaining value and “are unwilling to part company on the cheap.”
Sevilla are touted as a possible destination, while there is also interest from Turkey, with Besiktas heavily linked of late—though Fenerbahce’s “interest is most concrete.”
Meanwhile the Chronicle claim Newcastle United are among the clubs to have been offered a chance to sign the goalscorer.
When Sturridge does leave Anfield it will come with a tinge of regret, after his early promise sparked Liverpool’s unlikely title challenge under Brendan Rodgers in 2013/14.
His healthy rivalry with Luis Suarez saw him net 25 times in 33 games that season, but he has been plagued with injuries ever since.
Klopp’s arrival in 2015 saw his game time reduced significantly, with clear reservations over his ability to operate in a high-intensity pressing side.
Firmino is the polar opposite, and his chemistry with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah helped lead Liverpool to last season’s Champions League final, and consecutive top-four finishes.
In a way, £15 million remains a lofty valuation for a striker with such wavering fitness, but with Sevilla keen on a deal back in January the hope is negotiations will be swift.
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