All hopes that Liverpool fans still may have held that Daniel Sturridge would rise from the injury ashes like a fit phoenix and regain his 2013/14 season form seem to be disappearing as reports emerged today that the England striker's rumoured move to Italy may soon be a reality.
Initial reports suggested Liverpool wouldn't settle for anything less than £30 million pounds and a permanent move for the 28 year old, but the news coming out of Sky Italia today is that Inter will sign Sturridge on loan initially with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Sturridge has been widely linked with a move to the Italian top flight throughout the January transfer window, with the player keen to get playing time in order to force his way into Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad. However the worry with Daniel Sturridge will always be his ability to stay fit. All the promises of first team football in the world are of no use if you aren't available for selection.
He signed for Liverpool in January 2013, coming from Chelsea, but has only once played more than 20 league games in a season for the reds, when he netted 21 goals in the aforementioned 2013-14 campaign. However Sturridge has played only 55 league games out of a possible 152 in the last 4 years. That means he’s missed 97, that's roughly about 23 or 24 games a season, and that's just in the league.
A move to Italy though could be just what Sturridge needs to reignite his stagnant career. Inter need more attacking options, only Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic have scored more than three goals for them in Serie A this season with 18 and 7 a piece.
The move is so close, according to the Daily Star, that they say the Liverpool man has already agreed personal terms with the Italian club. It is apparently now just up to the two clubs to iron out the details of the transfer.
La Liga outfit Sevilla were also hotly tipped to be a possible destination for Sturridge this transfer window but Inter appear to have won the race for his signature.
Anfield legend Jamie Carragher reckons Sturridge will be an excellent signing for whoever he ends up with:
He's a brilliant player but it's just fitness with him. He's a talent and he's got so much ability. He'd be a great signing for Sevilla or Inter Milan if they can keep him fit. They will be like 'I knew he was good but I didn't know he was this good' if he can avoid injury.
