Having only been a bit-part player for Liverpool so far this season, Stan Collymore has claimed Southampton could be a good fit for Daniel Sturridge is he leaves Anfield next summer, report the Liverpool Echo.
While the former Reds striker reiterated Jurgen Klopp should retain Sturridge, the Saints were one of three clubs who Collymore mentioned as viable transfer destinations for the England international in 2017.
Speaking to The Mirror, Collymore claimed: “If he does have to move on in the summer then I hope he will join a club who won’t have the luxury of not picking him as their first-choice striker.
“A Southampton, a West Ham, even an Everton.”
Having only started four Premier League games for the Reds so far this season, Sturridge has suffered from Roberto Firmino being Jurgen Klopp’s first choice centre forward this term.
With Liverpool in the last eight of the EFL Cup, not to mention having to contest FA Cup fixtures in the New Year, perhaps Sturridge will be retained this season given Danny Ings’ long-term injury but he could have a decision to make thereafter.
As for Southampton’s current striking options, Shane Long started the season up top for Claude Puel but since Charlie Austin replaced him, the former Burnley and QPR man has quickly become the Saints’ top scorer.