Newcastle United are eyeing a loan move for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge in January, according to the Northern Echo.
The regional newspaper claims that the Magpies are desperate to sign a new forward when the transfer window re-opens and manager Rafael Benitez will be “pushing hard” to try sign Sturridge.
It is understood that the 28-year-old is set to leave Anfield in the New Year to try help his chances of being in England’s World Cup squad next summer.
The report details that his £125,000-a-week wages could be the stumbling block in a potential loan deal as current Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will not be prepared to pay that sum.
However, it is unclear whether Amanda Staveley would stretch to that level amid a widely reported takeover.
There are a number of suitors from overseas keen on a deal for Liverpool’s striker, but he may prefer remaining in the Premier League for the second half of the season.
Sturridge has become a fringe player for the Merseyside club this season, but is certainly still recognised as a Premier League goal machine and has 75 goals in 194 top-flight matches during spells with Liverpool, Chelsea Manchester City and Bolton.
Good move for Newcastle?
There is no doubt that Sturridge would be an exceptional signing for Newcastle and is exactly the type of player required in Benitez’s squad.
The rapid centre-forward has immense Premier League experience and is also a proven goalscorer at the highest level, with many viewing him as the most natural finisher in the division.
Sturridge has three goals in 14 games for Liverpool so far this season, but those numbers would shoot up at St James’ Park if he was given a main role.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle are now being linked with some elite Premier League players and these will only become possible if the takeover reaches an advanced stage.
Sturridge would definitely be given the first-choice role to spearhead the Magpies attacker if he joined and that would surely interest him, but there could be a mad race for his signature in January.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10