Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge close to Liverpool move

Liverpool are rumoured to have stepped up their pursuit of Daniel Sturridge, with talks between the players agent in the advanced stages.

The England winger/striker is expected to be confirmed before the January window opens, at a cost of around £14million.

Sturridge almost joined the Merseyside club back in the summer, only for the player to decide against moving on loan.

Brendan Rodgers is believed to have set Sturridge as his first main transfer target, and is also believed to be in advanced talks with Thomas Ince over a possible £6million move.

Ince left Anfield 18 months ago for a fee of £250k, and is now tipped to return having been in spectacular form this season.

With Sturridge set to leave Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have been eyeing up various replacements. Demba Ba is the latest name thrown into the ring, and is available for £7million in January. Liverpool are also linked with the forward but it is thought a move to Chelsea would be preferred.

Chelsea will be looking to sign two forwards in January, a player like Willian or Marouane Fellaini who can play as a striker, and an out-and-out striker is expected to arrive. Fellaini has apparently ruled out a move away from Everton in January, and Willian is available for £22million due to his contract clause.