Klopp prepares Sturridge for key Liverpool future talks

Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is preparing to hold talks with Daniel Sturridge amid claims the striker will be allowed to leave Anfield this summer.

The England star has been reduced to a bit-part role at the Reds this season and when given the chance, has largely frustrated and disappointed.

Klopp admits he may have to overhaul a Liverpool squad that has struggled to find any consistency in 2017 and Sturridge could headline the list of potential departures.

Although little has been said other than newspaper speculation about the player’s future – he has been linked with Arsenal and West Ham most recently – Klopp has confirmed for the first time that talks will be held shortly to determine his future.

“I have no idea what happens in the summer. It is not only Daniel but a lot of players,” Klopp said.

“Daniel was not in training for eight or nine days because of a virus infection. We have to bring him back to the best shape possible and then bring this season to an end as successfully as possible.

“Then we will make decisions and speak about Daniel and any other players about what will happen at the end of the season.

“A lot of things will influence this and we can speak about it when it is time.”

Sturridge missed Monday’s disappointing 3-1 defeat at Leicester – for which our writers slammed Liverpool’s performance. The player, however, has started just five Premier League games this season, and nine in total to add further wait to claims that Liverpool are prepared to sell the £25million-rated striker.