Liverpool Reportedly Reject Loan Bid from Sevilla for Daniel Sturridge

Liverpool have reportedly rejected an approach from Sevilla to take out-of-favour striker Daniel Sturridge on loan until the end of the season, despite the Spanish club offering to pay all of his wages. 

According to MailOnline's Dominic King, the Reds are open to Sturridge leaving if they "receive a suitable package," but technical director Michael Edwards turned down Sevilla's offer to cover the England international's £150,000-per-week wages and also rejected an offer from Inter Milan. 

Per King, the 28-year-old is "desperate to start playing again" as he looks to secure a place in the Three Lions squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and Sevilla were prepared to guarantee him weekly action.

Former England and Manchester United defender Phil Neville told BBC 5 live Sport Sturridge needs to play first-team football to have any chance of making Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Russia tournament:

He has not enjoyed a consistent run in the Liverpool first team since the 2013-14 campaign.

Under manager Jurgen Klopp, he is now no more than a back-up at Anfield, with Roberto Firmino the undisputed first-choice No. 9.

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Sturridge has started just five times in the Premier League this season and has not appeared for Liverpool since an 18-minute cameo off the bench in their 7-0 defeat of Spartak Moscow on December 6 in the UEFA Champions League. 

In all likelihood, the Merseyside outfit are hoping to move him on in a permanent deal during the current transfer window.

However, according to James Pearce in the Liverpool Echo, the Reds want £30 million for the former Chelsea man. 

Given his history of fitness woes and the fact he has not shown his best form since a 21-goal Premier League season in 2013-14, it is unlikely many clubs will be prepared to take such a big risk on him.

Sturridge has, in the past, proved to be a clinical striker who can regularly score key goals. In the past four English top-flight seasons, though, he has registered a combined return of just 17.

Such a record arguably does not warrant a £30 million transfer fee, and Sturridge may have to persuade Liverpool to let him leave on loan if he wants to secure a move away from Anfield in January.