Daniel Sturridge to West Ham: Hammers will make an all-out attempt to get their hands on Liverpool striker in January
WEST HAM will make an all-out attempt to get their hands on Daniel Sturridge next month.
But they will get short shrift in their efforts to hand the Kop striker regular action because of Liverpool’s lack of attacking numbers.
Sturridge, currently on the way back from a tight calf, is frustrated at his lack of starts this season.
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He has kicked off just four league games – and only one in the past two months – when he has been fit.
And Jurgen Klopp also warned his England striker he has to learn to make himself available even when he isn’t 100 per cent.
The Hammers themselves are desperate for a proven goalscorer – and Sturridge is certainly that – after a nightmare start to the campaign.
They would love to end his Anfield agony, even if it was only on a short-term loan basis until the rest of the campaign.
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But with Liverpool facing a striker shortage in January, it will be a huge uphill battle to get their man.
The Reds face being without Sadio Mane for a month, as he will be on African Cup of Nations duty with Senegal.
Danny Ings will only be fit for the final few weeks of the campaign – if at all – after a knee ligament injury which needed surgery.
And Philippe Coutinho will still be taking his first steps back after being stretchered off with ankle ligament damage against Sunderland last week.
Sturridge, whose four goals have come in the EFL Cup, has made little secret of his unhappiness at Klopp’s preference for a three-line strike force of Coutinho, Mane and Roberto Firmino.
Yet that has not reached the point where he will demand to leave, especially on wages of £150,000 a week, so won’t force the issue.
That will not stop West Ham making overtures to try and get their man – but they it will be an attempt which already looks doomed to failure.
Meanwhile, at least Klopp will see his numbers boosted for Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth.
Adam Lallana, who has missed the last three games with a groin problem, trained with the first team yesterday and is fit to return.