Daniel Sturridge Was Offered Shock Escape Route From Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge is regularly linked with a move away from Liverpool, and the latest story surrounding his future is easily the most surprising.

The former Manchester City and Chelsea striker endured another frustrating, injury-hit campaign with Liverpool, making just 11 starts, including a mere seven appearances from the off in the Premier League.

Even when fit, Sturridge was not viewed as Liverpool's first-choice forward under Jurgen Klopp, with Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi both ahead of him in the pecking order.

Image: PA

And while West Ham appear to be the club most keen on the 27-year old, he's attracted interest from Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan.

According to The Mirror, Guoan, who are managed by former Bayer Leverkusen and Red Bull Salzburg boss Roger Schmidt, made a big-money offer to Sturridge last week but he let them know he was not interested in making the move.

The Chinese Super League transfer window slammed shut on Friday, and Sturridge's snub means Guoan will have to wait until January should they remain hellbent on acquiring him.

Image: PA

At present, Sturridge has been back in training with Liverpool, playing the full duration of pre-season friendly wins over Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic. He will be amongst the travelling party for the Reds' pre-season trips to Hong Kong and Germany.

For the timebeing, the consensus is that despite the arrival of Dominic Solanke from Chelsea, the England international will be part of Klopp's plans for the upcoming campaign and should he stay clear of the hip and calf injuries that riddled his 2016/17 season, he will be afforded opportunities to impress.

Sturridge has an impressive tally of 61 goals in 119 appearances for Liverpool, with his best tally coming in 2013/14 when he notched 21 goals playing alongside Luis Suarez in the Premier League as the club finished as runners up under Brendan Rodgers.

Image: PA

Will Sturridge fight for his place at Anfield next term? Or will be plying his trade for a new club by the time the start of the 2017/18 campaign?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Topics: Liverpool, Daniel Sturridge, Chinese Super League, Jurgen Klopp

Josh Lawless

Josh is a writer who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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