Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Daniel Sturridge and Andrea Belotti

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher doubts whether star striker Daniel Sturridge has a long-term future with the Reds, while the club is said to be preparing a £19.5 million offer for reported Arsenal transfer target Andrea Belotti.

As reported by Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo, Carragher was asked whether he believes Sturridge's future will play out at Anfield, and he said:

"

Possibly not.

Because I think when Jurgen Klopp picks his best team, when everyone’s fit, I don’t think Sturridge is in it, at this moment.

I think Daniel may play on Monday because of a few injuries and Firmino may play out wide and Coutinho may play central, that was the situation at Swansea and Liverpool won.

But when everyone’s fit and firing, I don’t think he quite gets in the eleven.

When he doesn’t, I think it’s (been) proven at the end of last season at times, and even this season on the back of a great win at Chelsea.

"

Carragher did emphasise he's a fan of Sturridge and believes in his scoring ability, but he doubts whether manager Jurgen Klopp feels the same way, considering the German asks so much more from his forwards.

Sturridge has been a productive striker for the Reds when healthy (55 goals in 99 appearances), but injuries have been a major issue for the England international. Per Transfermarkt.co.uk, he has suffered at least two major injuries in every season since the 2012-13 campaign, a dreadful record.

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Klopp's attacking philosophy is built around pressure and constant movement in the attacking third, and both Roberto Firmino and summer arrival Sadio Mane have so far proven far better fits in his team.

The 27-year-old also has a tendency to hog the ball and slow down play as a result, something Telegraph Football made fun of during the recent FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier between England and Slovenia:

Sturridge's ability to put the ball in the net is beyond a doubt―but it also makes him a valuable piece on the transfer market. A sale could hand Klopp the funds he needs to chase a player who might be a better fit for his particular system.

Torino's Belotti could be such a striker and, according to Calciomercatoweb (h/t Daily Express' James Cambridge), Klopp is preparing a £19.5 million offer for the 22-year-old in order to beat Arsenal to his signature.

Belotti has already scored five goals and added two assists in six Serie A matches this season, establishing himself as an early contender for the top scorer's title. He also scored for Italy in the 3-2 win over Macedonia, drawing praise from BT Sport's Adam Summerton:

The former Palermo ace is a special talent who combines a strong physique with intelligent movement in the attacking third and a lethal ability to finish chances. He's technically sound, and he can be an asset both in space and inside the box.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Adam Digby of Football Whispers took a look at the stats behind his recent form:

"

His form has been nothing short of sensational, averaging a goal every 58 minutes of play, the best return of any player in Europe’s top five leagues. Belotti has hit the target with 67 percent of his shots according to squawka.com, an increase from his 50 percent mark last term and the best among any striker in Serie A to have taken more than ten shots.

The speed at which he moves around the pitch is tormenting Serie A’s notoriously well-drilled defences, many unable to track his superb runs off the ball. Belotti’s passing is much improved, WhoScored.com showing that he creates a clear scoring opportunity for a team mate once every 36.75 minutes, ranking second in the league in that category among forwards.

"

The reported £19.5 million offer may not be enough to tempt Torino into a sale, but the Italian club can't match the Premier League giants in terms of financial might―if the Reds really want Belotti, price cannot be an issue.

The good form of Mane and obvious talent of Firmino may stop Klopp from pulling the trigger on another high-priced forward for now, although Belotti's long-term upside means the investment should be a good one, regardless.