Out-of-favour striker Daniel Sturridge is set to lose his place in the Liverpool set-up as the club wants to reportedly use him as bait to sign two Southampton players in January or at the end of the season.

The Mirror reports that Sturridge could be the bait as the Reds want to lure The Saints to sell defender Virgil van Dijk and forward Sam Mcqueen, who are 25 and 21 years old respectively. Other reports say a swap deal would be likely as Southampton are keen on landing Sturridge.

Livepool manager Jurgen Kloop is keen on Van Dijk and the player has been on Liverpool’s radar. Injuries and inconsistency has made Sturridge a target for a transfer out of Anfield with the player missing the game against Sunderland over the weekend. The Three Lions forward suffered a minor calf strain that ensured he missed training sessions at Melwood before he was declared unfit for the game against David Moyes’ side.

Klopp seems focused on retaining Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino as his first-choice and Divock Origi as the substitute in a season they are focused on lifting the Premier League title.

Sturridge has had a frustrating season thus far, starting just four Premier League games and not scoring since April.

Liverpool’s brilliant run has met several setbacks and it has slowed the momentum at the club which is why Klopp wants to change some things. Adam Lallana picked up a groin injury whilst on international duty for England. Lallana’s absence was obvious as Liverpool played a draw against Southampton. With playmaker Phillpe Coutinho injured, Klopp would have to enter the transfer market in January if Liverpool want to have a chance at a silverware this season. Nathaniel Clyne and Coutinho say Klopp has changed the mentality and confidence in the sqaud, but it could come all crumbling down if the current situation is not well managed.