SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Monday, January 2, 2017: Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge looks dejected after missing a chance against Sunderland during the FA Premier League match at the Stadium of Light. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Pundit claims West Ham attempting deadline day deal for Daniel Sturridge

With less than 12 hours to go before the January transfer window closes, West Ham have been linked with a late, desperate move for Daniel Sturridge.

Jurgen Klopp has done very little business this winter, with only a few loan departures from the Academy. The German has not sanctioned the departure of any first-team players, or added to his senior squad despite calls for reinforcements.

This makes claims from ex-player and pundit Micky Quinn that Sturridge could be on his way to London Stadium hugely questionable.

Quinn claims that “West Ham want Sturridge today” and “The deal all down to LFC whether they want to let him go now or end of season.”


The Hammers have been attempting to add another centre-forward to their ranks this month, with vice-chairman David Sullivan revealing on Tuesday that they had a pursued a deal to re-sign Demba Ba.

But the prospect of Liverpool allowing Sturridge to leave mid-season, as Quinn suggests, is risible—particularly given the striker’s continued importance to Klopp’s squad.

Sturridge has already made 20 appearances for the Reds this season, and while his ability to perform in Klopp’s high-intensity system has been scrutinised, he is clearly a valued option up front.

To allow him to leave would weaken Klopp’s squad immeasurably, with Quinn’s claims an indication of the fraught nature of deadline day.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 28, 2017: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp before the FA Cup 4th Round match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Klopp has largely kept his distance from the frantic winter market, insisting that while he would have wished to sign another player this month, there is no value buying in mid-season.

Julian Brandt, Christian Pulisic, Julian Draxler and Quincy Promes were all on the German’s radar as he looked to navigate Sadio Mane‘s absence.

But with Draxler joining Paris Saint-Germain in a deal believed to be worth £38 million, Klopp’s views were arguably vindicated.

If Sturridge left for West Ham before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline, that would leave Klopp with just two recognised centre-forwards in Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi.

And having recently expressed concerns over Firmino possibly suffering from burnout after a congested schedule, this would be negligent.

Klopp has consistently backed Sturridge despite his injury problems and a struggle for form, and the German clearly feels he can make his mark throughout the current campaign.

Sturridge may leave in the summer, of course, given he is no longer first choice at Anfield, but it is highly unlikely Liverpool would even entertain offers this month.

Still, logic should never get in the way of a good story on deadline day…

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