Chelsea Transfer Rumors: Daniel Sturridge's Likely Departure Is Best for All

Talented forward Daniel Sturridge is only going to be stunted while riding the pine with Chelsea, so now is the perfect time for him to find a new home.

And he shouldn't have too many problems finding that home. 

Goal.com's Greg Stobart tweeted the following about the interest Sturridge is drawing. 

"

Liverpool leading race for Chelsea star Sturridge #CFC #LFC --> goal.com/en-gb/news/289…

— Greg Stobart (@gstobart) July 7, 2012"

He added some more details in this article, where he states that the Reds are "preparing a £10 million bid" for Sturridge. He notes that the Reds are facing competition from Tottenham for him, but the money and opportunity for playing time are greater with Liverpool. 

This move makes good sense for all involved. Sturridge needs the playing time, and he isn't likely to get it with Chelsea.

By the end of last season, he found himself relegated to bench detail, and it appeared that he and Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo were not exactly on the same page. 

This alone is enough to point to the fact that Sturridge, 22, would have a hard time reclaiming his spot in the starting lineup, but that isn't the only thing he has working against his playing time at Stamford Bridge, considering that Chelsea added prized forward Eden Hazard. 

Stobart points out that Sturridge will meet with Di Matteo about his future, but those talks aren't likely to bring about anything that would make staying more enticing for Sturridge. He just doesn't seem to be in the team's future plans. 

While Sturridge is definitely nice depth for Chelsea, they can sell him off and find someone who is moving their way up the rotation instead of down. As for Sturridge, the youngster needs a fresh start, and he would have plenty of opportunity to get back on track with Liverpool.