Klopp rubbishes Sturridge transfer rumours

Bengaluru, November 22: Liverpool have been rocked recently by the news of their star striker Daniel Sturridge reportedly looking for a way out of the club in January but manager Jurgen Klopp insists that the English forward is in his plans.

Sturridge has struggled for regular playing time under Klopp since his arrival although injuries also played a big role in that.

However, the Englishman finds himself as just an impact substitute now and is wanting to have regular gametime to get a place in Gareth Southgate's England side in the World Cup next summer.

Therefore, reports were emerging that the former Chelsea striker will seek a move in January to a club where he gets regular playing time.

However, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp urged Sturridge to stay focused despite speculation about his future, saying the Reds still need the England striker.

Sturridge has made just four Premier League starts this season and another four off the bench, scoring twice.

"I can imagine a player with his quality is not happy that he is not starting all the time, but that's all," he told UK newspapers.

"The situation with the player is completely OK. At this moment we are in November and need all our players - even if he feels a little different.

"There is around one-and-a-half months before the window opens and I don't think about things like this. There are so many games before then and I need all of them."

Sturridge made 26 starts and scored 21 league goals in 2013-14, but since then he has faded big time with injuries hampering his career.

England manager Southgate dropped the 28-year-old from the Three Lions squad that faced Germany and Brazil earlier this month, saying: "He's not playing regularly. I think it's very difficult. I don't remember the last time Daniel had 90 minutes."