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Frustrated Daniel Sturridge IS interested in a move to Southampton - but fears a move would be blocked by Liverpool.

Stoke also want the 28-year-old marksman who is determined to quit Anfield next month in search of regular first-team football.

But Liverpool are set to rebuff loan bids. The club will only be tempted to allow Sturridge to leave if an offer of £25million is made.

Sources close to the England striker have indicated he has become disillusioned by Liverpool’s stance - particularly given his team ethic despite his lack of action.

Sturridge has knuckled down without complaining publicly about his ongoing bit part role with Roberto Firmino the man striker.

(Image: Liverpool FC)

Whether on a loan or on a permanent basis, Sturridge now wants to play for a club that values him enough to give him regular first-team football.

Spanish clubs Valencia and Sevilla have had an interest for some time while Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez also has Sturridge on his shortlist for a new striker.

Southampton are ready to sell their Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini, eleven months after signing him for £14.6million.

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Gabbiadini exploded into life on the south coast with six goals in his first four games but has not been the same player since a groin injury in March put him out for a month.

With Charlie Austin set to miss two months with a hamstring injury, Southampton are in dire need of reinforcements up front.

The problem for Sturridge is that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is more intent on allowing Danny Ings leave on loan to regain full fitness with Stoke interested.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Sturridge would then be kept as cover unless Liverpool were to receive an offer they could not refuse.

The marksman’s future did not form part of the discussions over Virgil van Dijk’s record £75million transfer. But it means Southampton do now have the cash to meet Liverpool’s valuation of Sturridge.

Mirror Sport revealed before Christmas that the striker fears his World Cup hopes will be all but over if he is still at Anfield in February.

Gareth Southgate has made it clear that only players that are playing regularly stand a chance of making it to Russia next summer.