Liverpool are open to selling Daniel Sturridge on a loan-to-buy deal this month amid interest from Inter Milan, according to a reliable journalist.
Sky Sports Italy correspondent Gianluca Di Marzio reported on his personal website that the Merseysiders are “open” to a transfer in which Sturridge leaves on loan for the rest of the season.
Di Marzio explains that the deal would need to include a loan fee as well as a purchase option, although Liverpool have not yet informed Inter how much it would cost to take the striker for the rest of the season.
Sturridge, 28, is prepared to leave Anfield in search of regular first-team football in order to prove his fitness to England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
He has not played for Liverpool since the 7-0 Champions League victory over Spartak Moscow on December 6 due to injury and illness.
Good move for Inter?
Sturridge may no longer be a first choice for Liverpool, where Roberto Firmino is the favoured spearhead of Klopp and clearly the outstanding one at the club, but he remains a fine striker who would decorate most teams in Europe, including Inter. He has lost some of the pace that once made him one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards, but his touch, technique and eye for goal remain intact. Furthermore, he has a brilliant Premier League scoring record that is hard to match. In 133 Liverpool matches Sturridge has banged in 64 goals at virtually one every other game. His 194 top flight matches for Liverpool and former clubs Chelsea and Manchester City have resulted in 75 goals. Even a souped-down Sturridge would be a great signing for Inter, who are keen for attacking reinforcements this month to boost their Serie A title bid.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Liverpool’s willingness to negotiate a loan deal for Sturridge is a gamechanger. Much will depend upon the cost of the loan fee, with even the big Italian clubs not having the financial power of the Premier League giants. Nevertheless, it is increasingly likely the forward will leave Anfield on loan this month.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10