Klopp: Sturridge going nowhere

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he has no intention of selling Daniel Sturridge – or any other first-team player – during the January transfer window.

The England international has missed the last three games with a calf strain and has become increasingly peripheral to the manager’s plans this season.

However, Klopp has insisted that neither Sturridge nor any other first-team player will be leaving the club in January as they look to win the title for the first time since 1990.

"I think you and your colleagues create stories which are not stories and then you ask me about a story which is not a story," the German told the press in answer to speculation linking Sturridge with a move to West Ham.

“There is absolutely no thought to sell any player from the first-team squad. I don't think it would make sense.

"Unfortunately Daniel is not in training now and that is what I am more concerned about than any transfer rumours - but I am prepared for everything you could ask me in January."

Klopp also reiterated his confidence in the crop of emerging players he now has at his disposal after Ben Woodburn (17), Trent Alexander-Arnold (18), Kevin Stewart (23) and Ovie Ejaria (19) all impressed in the midweek EFL quarter-final win over Leeds at Anfield when Woodburn became the club’s youngest ever scorer.

However, he says it will not stop him buying January of he feels he needs to strengthen.

"We don't have to change anything because we have a few of them who are involved in our plans," he added. "We have to buy players and hopefully some players come through, that's how it is.

"We have a lot of these boys in the club and it is up to us to create a situation where they can come through when they are ready and we can use them.

"There will be a few ups and downs for sure but as long as you are in the right circumstances and the right club then I would say everything would be good at the end."

Photo: Getty/Laurence Griffiths

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