Paper Talk: Sturridge in Liverpool decision; Zola’s Chelsea return

Unwanted Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has made a decision on his future, while a Sheffield United star, linked with Spurs and the Reds, has a surprise new suitor, according to Sunday’s newspapers.

 

STURRIDGE TO FIGHT FOR LIVERPOOL FUTURE

Daniel Sturridge is set to start pre-season at Liverpool – and attempt to fight his way into Jurgen Klopp’s plans, according to reports on Sunday.

The 28-year-old has become a periphery figure at Anfield under Klopp and was turfed out to West Brom on loan in January.

An unproductive spell with the Baggies failed to save them from relegation and the player’s future appears away from Liverpool, with both Besiktas and Newcastle linked with an £11million move.

However, The Sun on Sunday claims Sturridge plans to return to stick around at Liverpool and will return to pre-season training in a bid to change Klopp’s mind.  It’s claimed he was already made himself available for their pre-season tour of the United States, where the Reds face Manchester United, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.

Asked in April about Sturridge’s future, Klopp said: “We will see. It is nothing that I have thought about so far.

“We don’t have to make these judgements yet. There will be a pre-season next year and he is still contracted here so we will see.”

Sturridge is contracted at Anfield until the summer of 2019 and it’s believed his determination not to suffer a drop in the £120,000 a week wages he is currently on could be a factor in his decision.

 

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AND THE REST

Anthony Martial is wanted by Tottenham and Chelsea, with Manchester United reported to have named their price for the Frenchman (Sunday Mirror / Sunday Express)

Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid career has been given a lifeline and he could now stay at the club because Julen Lopetegui is said to rate him highly and can speak English, whereas Zinedine Zidane could not (Sunday Express)

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will make a £12m bid for Sheffield United forward David Brooks. Liverpool and Tottenham have also been mentioned as suitors (Sun on Sunday)

West Ham believe they can complete the signing of Jack Wilshere (Sun on Sunday)

Southampton are on the brink of pulling off the shock signing of Norwich City’s highly-rated 15-goal midfielder James Maddison (Sun on Sunday)

Callum Wilson wants a £60,000-a-week package to stay with Bournemouth (Sun on Sunday)

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce wants Wigan’s Dan Burn to replace John Terry (Sun on Sunday)

Stuart McCall will hold talks with Doncaster over becoming their new manager (Sun on Sunday)

Danny Rose says Roy Hodgson’s England squad were totally unprepared at Euro 2016 (Sun on Sunday)

Harry Kane has revealed he wants to be a captain to be remembered – just like David Beckham (Sunday Mirror)

Roberto Firmino admits he is finding it difficult to forget the Champions League final – but hopes World Cup glory can put that right (Sunday Mirror)

Michail Antonio is set to leave West Ham with Crystal Palace ready to sign the versatile midfielder (Sunday Mirror)

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has banned agents from Belgium’s Moscow hotel at the World Cup (Sunday Mirror)

Huddersfield have made a move for Wolves striker Ivan Cavaleiro with the 24-year-old Portuguese not part of the club’s plans (Sunday Mirror)

Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis will hijack Brighton’s move for Sunderland defender Paddy McNair (Sun on Sunday)

Fulham want to sign goalkeeper Tim Krul on a free transfer from Brighton (Sun on Sunday)

Real Madrid have offered £50m for Roma keeper Alisson, who is also a target for Liverpool, but the Italian club want £75m for the 25-year-old Brazil international (Mail on Sunday)

England’s bid to go far in the World Cup will include the players wearing battery-powered heated trousers throughout the tournament to combat injury-threatening changes in temperature (Mail on Sunday)

Jack Wilshere fears he will not be a key player under Unai Emery and is giving serious consideration to leaving Arsenal (Mail on Sunday)

Maurizio Sarri is growing increasingly confident agreement will be reached between Chelsea and Napoli to smooth his appointment as head coach at Stamford Bridge, with the Italian likely to be joined by his compatriot Gianfranco Zola in some capacity at the club (The Observer)

Boca Juniors are making an impassioned plea to Wilmar Barrios to postpone a move to Tottenham until the January transfer window after Spurs stepped up their interest in the Colombian (The Independent on Sunday)