Bilic: Can we call Sturridge a talent anymore?

Sarah Winterburn

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has distanced himself from reports of interest in occasional Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.

Bilic already manages the perma-crocked Andy Carroll so has no interest in signing Sturridge, who has played just 78 Premier League games for Liverpool in almost four years.

A calf injury is currently keeping Sturridge sidelined, leaving Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitting he has “no idea” when he will return.

Bilic said: “He is a good player, one of the biggest talents if you can call him a talent any more.

“The only thing that stopped him being a regular in the club and the national team, is injury.

“Even last year clubs were thinking about Sturridge because he is that kind of player.

“He has shown what he can be over a period of five years. But 50 times in five years, is that enough?

“I don’t know him in person, I don’t know the extent of his dedication to his job, but unfortunately for England and for Liverpool he is injured and that is his problem.”