England striker Sturridge has been sidelined by Anfield manager Jurgen Klopp, who is reportedly ready to allow the injury-prone England striker to leave in January to make way for new signings. Klopp has this season preferred to use Roberto Firmino in attack and once again on Saturday Sturridge was confined to the bench and played only 12 minutes as a substitute, ironically at Southampton.

GETTY Claude Puel is reportedly targeting Daniel Sturridge

GETTY Jurgen Klopp has preferred to start Roberto Firmino as oppose to Daniel Sturridge

Saints have been monitoring Sturridge’s situation for some time, and are ready to table a loan offer in the mid season transfer window, with a view to a permanent summer deal. Southampton manager Claude Puel wants a regular partner for central striker Charlie Austin, having seen front men Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane both leave in the summer – Mane to Liverpool.

GETTY Claude Puel wants a striker partner for Charlie Austin

Twitter reacts as Liverpool linked with £40m swoop for Southampton stars Mon, November 21, 2016 Express Sport brings you all the best tweets as Liverpool reportedly plot a £40million move to sign Virgil van Dijk and Sam McQueen from Southampton Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 10 Express Sport brings you all the best tweets as Liverpool reportedly plot a £40million move to sign Virgil van Dijk and Sam McQueen from Southampton