West Ham United are reportedly planning big changes in January, with the Hammers being linked with moves for Daniel Sturridge and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Sturridge has yet to score in the Premier League so far this season, and has struggled to claim a starting berth under Jurgen Klopp with the German tactician largely preferring Roberto Firmino up front.
According to The Express, the situation could finally reach a conclusion in January with West Ham ready to swoop for the misfit with a £25m fee suggested as being enough to convince Klopp to part company with the England international.
Slaven Bilic has made a world-class striker his top priority since the summer after he failed with a bid to sign AC Milan forward Carlos Bacca, as noted in the report.
However, instead of revisiting their interest in the Colombian ace in the New Year, it appears as though they’ve switched their attention closer to home and Sturridge could now be their high-profile January signing.
When fit and playing regularly, the 27-year-old has proven that he is more than capable of scoring consistently and can be a leading star in the Premier League.
The 2013/14 season proved that as he bagged 24 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions. However, Sturridge’s issue has been avoiding injuries, and in turn he has only reached double figures in goals scored in the Premier League in just one other season since joining Liverpool in 2012.
A fresh start and more belief in his abilities may be what he needs to get his career back on track as he continues to struggle this season, while that isn’t where West Ham’s transfer activity will end.
The Express add that they have also made an enquiry about loaning Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek who is also struggling for playing time this season.
Despite being part of the senior squad under Antonio Conte, the 20-year-old has made just three appearances so far this season, with two of those coming in the EFL Cup. As a result, a temporary move elsewhere in order to gain experience and minutes could be the perfect move for him at this stage of his career.