Jurgen Klopp keen on working with Daniel Sturridge next season

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has dropped a huge hint that Daniel Sturridge could stay put with the club for the upcoming season. The England international’s future has come under question after an underwhelming loan stint with West Bromwich Albion last term but Klopp has been impressed with the forward’s influence during the ongoing pre-season.

Speaking to reporters, Klopp revealed his ambition to keep hold of Sturridge and he believes that the 28-year-old could play a decisive role for the Reds during the 2018/19 campaign. He added that talks are underway over a probable extension with his current deal due to expire in less than 12 months’ time.

He said: “We’re not in doubt – and nobody was ever in doubt – about his quality. In this moment he looks really good, to be honest.That’s cool – really cool for him and cool for us.(It’s) a very important moment for him. I am in talks with him, what he feels. The most physically strong player in the squad cannot play football like Daniel Sturridge and he has no possibility to be that, to be the marathon man of the team, but he can be a very decisive player.It’s a good moment and hopefully, it will stay like that.”

Sturridge has struggled with consistent injury niggles over the past three seasons and this has dropped him further down the pecking order at both club and international level. Nevertheless, he has showcased that he can make a defining impact on his day and Klopp is supposedly keeping the confidence in the marksman with the hope that he can get over his fitness concerns.

Liverpool are presently in the second half of their pre-season tour in the United States and their most recent encounter ended in a 2-1 triumph over Manchester City. The Reds are now scheduled to face Manchester United in the final game of the tour before returning to Europe for a couple of friendlies against Napoli and Torino.