Liverpool Transfer News: Daniel Sturridge Targeted by Southampton, Fresh Rumours

Southampton are reportedly hoping to land Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge on loan in January ahead of a potential £25 million permanent deal. 

According to an exclusive from Tony Banks of the Express, Saints want to add to their centre-forward options by recruiting a partner for Charlie Austin and have been tracking Sturridge's situation at Anfield.

West Ham United, Stoke City and AC Milan are also reportedly interested, with both Southampton and the Irons hoping for a loan initially to determine the injury-prone striker's fitness for themselves.

Sturridge has played just 379 minutes of Premier League football this season and has yet to net in the competition, though he has bagged four goals in two EFL Cup matches.

While he is arguably Liverpool's most clinical finisher, he isn't a natural fit in manager Jurgen Klopp's fluid, pressing system.

However, while he was not able to help his side net a late winner on their recent trip to Southampton, he did offer a reminder of his use to the team, per Goal's Melissa Reddy and the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce:

Even if he's no longer a regular starter at Anfield, having a player of his calibre as an option is certainly of use to the Reds, and it seems likely they'd want to keep hold of him.

Gianluca Di Marzio's Joseph Musker does not believe the reported fee would be enough to tempt Liverpool into parting with him or that the 27-year-old would be open to moving to a less illustrious club anyway:

Indeed, the striker should be at or approaching the peak of his powers—leaving a side with title and UEFA Champions League ambitions for one that will do well to finish in the top six is likely not the career move he would hope to make.

Bleacher Report's Jack Lusby also doubted the likelihood of the move and anticipates a great many more clubs will be linked with Sturridge ahead of the January transfer window:

The longer his struggle for game time continues, the more appealing a move might become—even one that would be something of a step down.

January is perhaps a little early for him to seriously consider leaving, though, and with the busy Christmas period approaching, it's likely he'll enjoy more minutes on the field in the near future.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Meanwhile, according to Alex Crook in the Sun, Liverpool are interested in Saints defender Virgil van Dijk.

Football writers Liam Canning and Iain Macintosh are among the many admirers the Dutchman has won since arriving in England in 2015:

St Mary's has been among the Reds' favourite shopping destinations in recent years, with the likes of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Sadio Mane all being prised away from the south coast.

Southampton will no doubt be reluctant to part with the star, particularly in January, but if the Reds—or any other suitors—want to greatly improve their centre-back options this winter and are prepared to spend big to do so, he could well be on the move.