Liverpool Transfer News: Daniel Sturridge Concerns Raised, Latest Reds Rumours

Dietmar Hamann believes ultra-brittle Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is a "luxury" his old club "can't afford." Hamann also suggested Liverpool's current financial model shouldn't support a player who hasn't shaken injury woes that date back to his time at Manchester City.

Speaking on the Colin Murray Show for talkSPORT, Hamann indicated the Reds should move on from the talented yet fragile goal-getter:

"

He is a luxury Liverpool cannot afford. They’ve got to make a call, because he’s not going to go from playing 50 per cent of games a year to 90-100 per cent. It isn’t going to happen.

Are they good enough and wealthy enough as a club? I don’t think Liverpool, in the current state they are in, can afford him.

"

Hamann referenced how Sturridge's myriad of injuries aren't simply isolated to his Anfield career: “I don’t need to know how often he’s been injured. He has history. He was the same when we were at City.”

PAUL THOMAS/Associated Press/Associated Press

Hamann certainly has a point. Sky Sports' Nick Wright, with the help of data from Physio Room, recently detailed the 10 separate injury-enforced absences Sturridge has experienced since moving to Liverpool in January 2013.

What's most troubling about Sturridge's latest issues are how frequent they've become. He recently made a comeback against Swansea in the Premier League but broke down two matches later, against Newcastle United.

It's a slight hamstring strain only expected to keep the England international out for about two weeks, according to Sky Sports.

However, it provides a difficult conundrum for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. Sturridge is a very gifted finisher. His pace, movement and confidence in front of goal increases the Reds' potency in attacking areas. But his fragility is an increasing concern.

Klopp can't really answer the problem until he finds a viable alternative. That will mean deciding if Christian Benteke or Divock Origi can really lead the line on a regular basis.

Sebastian Widmann/Associated Press

Until then, Liverpool will continue to hope Sturridge can finally stay fit.

Kevin Grosskreutz Agrees Terms

Away from the centre-forward position, Klopp is reportedly close to recruiting help for the flanks. Turkish source Takvim (h/t Metro's Tom Olver) claims Kevin Grosskreutz has agreed personal terms on a three-year deal to move to Anfield.

Currently not playing at Galatasaray after the club failed to register him in time at the end of the transfer window, Grosskreutz played for Klopp with Borussia Dortmund. His current club has yet to sign off on this proposed deal, it's been reported.

Klopp knows what kind of pace and work rate the 27-year-old can bring to either wing. His hard-running industry and craft can be essential in the high-pressing, counter-attacking game Klopp loves.

He's got Liverpool playing with impressive energy and vibrancy in attack. But Klopp is still working with an unfamiliar group of players. Bringing one of his former charges on board would help accelerate the transition to his style.

Klopp would also welcome the versatility Grosskreutz possesses. He can also operate as a raiding full-back if needed.

Signing Grosskreutz would be a smart first purchase for the ex-Dortmund chief, while parting ways with Sturridge may be the smartest move Liverpool can ultimately make.

But the latter will only make sense only once Klopp finds a more durable No. 9 with the same quality as a finisher to replace him.