Daniel Sturridge is confident he will force Liverpool to offer him a new contract this season as he has returned to Anfield a better player than when he left.

That might seem like a strange boast given a loan move to West Bromwich Albion in January turned into another frustrating, injury-ravaged period in the 28-year-old’s career, but Sturridge has looked bright and motivated in pre-season as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal.

Sturridge, who was left out of England’s squad for the World Cup because of his poor fitness record as well as a lack of game time, feels the time away from Liverpool was still spent productively.

Jurgen Klopp has indicated he wants Sturridge to stay and fight for a first team place and the relationship between them is as strong as ever.

That is testimony to the German’s clever man management, given he sent Sturridge out on loan to fight a relegation battle in the Midlands a few months ago as he did not have any need for him.