Liverpool knocked back PSG interest in Sturridge

The Reds were loath to lose the 27-year-old mid-season, but are primed to field multiple enquiries for him in the summer

were heavily considering a loan approach for Daniel Sturridge in January, but made it clear they would not authorise such a deal.

Klopp: My Liverpool future on the line

The striker was a premier target for the defending champions, who were confident he’d complement Edison Cavani superbly in attack.

However, with the knowledge that the Merseysiders would respond in the negative to negotiations, PSG did not proceed to discuss potential terms.

Jurgen Klopp was loath to lose Sturridge or any of his other first-team players mid-season, but Liverpool are primed to field multiple enquiries over the 27-year-old in the summer.

Sturridge in a race against himself

The forward’s influence and importance at Anfield has diminished under the German, with Roberto Firmino preferred as the Reds’ focal point up front.

Sturridge, who missed Monday's 3-1 defeat at after battling a virus, has started just nine games across all competitions during the campaign thus far.

He has been an unused substitute on six occasions, with four of those fixtures coming against top-four rivals , , and .

Further interest from is expected in the off-season for Sturridge, while there have been feelers out from the .

Liverpool hit embarrassing new low

He is under contract until 2019 and is among the highest earners at Liverpool, but will consider his options in search of guaranteed minutes to maximise the prime years of his career.

As was their stance last summer, the Reds will not be letting players exit on the cheap, especially one that remains an elite finisher.