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Daniel Sturridge is staying says Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

Sturridge's pitch time has been limited so far this season. Picture by PA
Sturridge's pitch time has been limited so far this season. Picture by PA Sturridge's pitch time has been limited so far this season. Picture by PA

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists he will not allow Daniel Sturridge – or any other first team player – to leave in January.

The England international has found his chances limited this season and that has led to continued speculation about his future at the club.

However, Klopp is adamant he will not be offloading anyone when the transfer window opens, with his side busy mounting a title challenge.

“I think you and your colleagues create stories which are not stories and then you ask me about a story which is not a story,” said Klopp when asked about the latest speculation linking Sturridge (above) with West Ham.

“There is absolutely no thought to sell any player from the first team squad. I don’t think it would make sense.”

Thestriker will be missing through injury when the Reds travel to face Bournemouth tomorrow, but Klopp insists he will be in his plans once he returns to fitness.

“Unfortunately Daniel is not in training now and that is what I am more concerned about than any transfer rumours –- but I am prepared for everything you could ask me in January.”

The emergence of a number of academy graduates has helped Klopp bolster his squad and rest a number of his key players, like in the EFL Cup win over Leeds for which he made eight changes.

Ben Woodburn’s goal on that night has offered hope that the impact of the short-term losses of Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho and the longer-term absence of Danny Ings will be lessened.

It will not stop Klopp buying in January if he feels there is an area which needs strengthening but it also does not mean he will not continue to give the youngsters a chance.

“We don’t have to change anything because we have a few of them who are involved in our plans,” he added. 

“We have to buy players and hopefully some players come through, that’s how it is.

“We have a lot of these boys in the club and it is up to us to create a situation where they can come through when they are ready and we can use them.”

Klopp has been impressed with the progress of the likes of Kevin Stewart, Ovie Ejaria, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Woodburn.

It has been a long time since the club’s academy has produced the number of potential first team players it currently is doing and the long-term plan is for that to become the norm.

“If the team for 2020 is only home-grown players it would be nice,” said Klopp.