Transfer Centre

Slaven Bilic: 'All Premier League clubs would welcome Daniel Sturridge signing'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 10 December 2016

Slaven Bilic says that West Ham United are one of a number of clubs that would happily take Daniel Sturridge on board, but admits that his injury issues have held him back.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has refused to rule out a bid for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge in January, admitting that "all the clubs are thinking about him".

The England international is seemingly out of favour at Anfield, where he has failed to register a single goal in nine Premier League appearances so far this season under Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp has repeatedly ruled out selling Sturridge, who is currently nursing a calf strain, but the 27-year-old could force through a move to another Premier League side after being made to play second fiddle to Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

West Ham are among those most strongly linked with the Liverpool ace, with Bilic confessing that he would welcome him on board should the chance arise.

"He's one of the biggest talents, he's a great player. The talent is there, the touch, the finishing, everything is great. The only thing that's stopped him being regular for club and country are the injuries," the United boss told reporters.

"He's just a player that has been linked with us, basically, and we've been linked with almost every player. We're always there in contention. Most of the time it's absolutely not true, 95 per cent of the time. But you're asking me about Sturridge and I have no problem about that.

"All the clubs are thinking about him because he is that kind of player. I don't know his work rate, I don't know his dedication to his job or whatever but unfortunately for England and for Liverpool and especially for him he's injured. That's his problem."

Liverpool legend Ian Rush recently warned his former club against selling Sturridge, who he claims is still the best finisher at Anfield.