Daniel Sturridge Reportedly Set for Liverpool Stay Amid Danny Ings Loan Rumours

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly has no intention of allowing striker Daniel Sturridge to leave the club in January, with Danny Ings set to depart on loan. 

According to Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, the Reds boss wants the former Chelsea man to stick around on Merseyside to provide cover for the second half of the season.

"It is understood only an offer in the region of £30 million would tempt the Reds into a U-turn despite the striker, 28, having just 18 months left on his contract," Lewis wrote. "… Should Liverpool's valuation not be met, Sturridge is set to be used predominantly from the bench."

Valencia and Real Betis are both said to have taken an interest in the forward with a view to a January move.

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The decision is set to be a major blow to Sturridge's chances of making it into the England World Cup squad in the summer, as Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has made it clear he will only take players to the tournament who are playing regularly.

Lewis added the decision to keep Sturridge around means Ings will most likely move elsewhere on a temporary basis. The latter is working his way back to full fitness following a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to injury. 

As noted by the Guardian's Sachin Nakrani, it's been a long time since Ings made the starting XI for a top-flight fixture:

This season Sturridge has started just five Premier League games for Liverpool, with Roberto Firmino favoured as the man to lead the line for the Reds. Naturally, speculation has been rife over the future of the England international as a result. 

When he has been on the pitch, there have been glimpses of talent, with two goals and an assist secured. While the forward may no longer boast blistering speed, he's still composed, clever in his positioning and an exceptional finisher.

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However, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino forming a devastating front three for Liverpool, there's little argument to be had about Sturridge sitting on the bench. Per the Match of the Day Twitter account, the Reds have been potent in the final third:

There doesn't appear to be too much Sturridge can do about the situation. As talented as he is, it would be a surprise if any team opted to pay the £30 million valuation placed upon him by Liverpool due to the striker's struggles with injuries.

Sturridge will hope with the chances he has, he can somehow force his way into Klopp's plans towards the end of the campaign. However, based on the incisive, flair and fluidity this Liverpool attack is playing with, that feels like an almighty ask for the striker.