Roma Target Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge Amid Edin Dzeko to Chelsea Rumours

AS Roma could reportedly make a move for out-of-favour Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge if they sell Edin Dzeko to Chelsea.

According to Alex Wood in the Daily Star, while Inter Milan are front-runners to snap up Sturridge from Anfield, Roma could look to hijack the deal should they lose Dzeko.

Per the article, Giallorossi director of football Monchi has confirmed the club will look for an immediate replacement: "I work every day to have players suitable to replace our players, my job is always to strengthen my club. If [Dzeko] leaves Roma, we'll buy another player."

Wood added Liverpool are keen to offload Sturridge, 28, for £35 million, potentially after an initial loan spell.

Chelsea are edging closer to securing a deal to sign Dzeko, 31, as well as Roma team-mate Emerson Palmieri, per the Telegraph's Matt Law:

The Bosnia international has netted 38 goals and provided 12 assists in 57 Serie A appearances since the start of 2016-17, so Roma would be losing a key asset were Dzeko to move to Stamford Bridge. 

Signing Sturridge would be a risk as a combination of fitness concerns and the brilliance of Roberto Firmino in the No. 9 role at Liverpool has seen the England international start just 30 league games since the start of 2014-15. 

However, he is a natural finisher who could be a big asset for Roma, and he could be available on loan as short-term cover for Dzeko. 

Equally, Sturridge would likely be motivated if he made the switch to the Stadio Olimpico as he needs to impress regularly in the second half of 2017-18 if he is to earn a spot in the England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

It is a long time since Sturridge netted 21 goals in 29 appearances and, in tandem with Luis Suarez, almost led Liverpool to the 2013-14 Premier League title.

He has been dogged by injuries since but is still well-regarded as a clinical finisher and could benefit from a change of scene and more starting opportunities, which he would likely get if he replaced Dzeko at Roma.