According to reports in The Telegraph, Southampton face competition from Inter Milan and Sevilla in the race to sign Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge this month.

What's the word, then?

Well, The Telegraph reported on December 28 that Saints were interested in taking the Reds forward on loan until the end of the season following Virgil van Dijk's £75m move the other way, although the latest report in The Telegraph suggests that the Merseyside outfit will only consider a permanent £30m deal.

The Telegraph says that Inter and Sevilla are both keen on the 28-year-old, with the latter already having an attempt to sign the England international on loan rebuffed.

The report adds that Sturridge is being tracked by English clubs and wants to leave Anfield because of a lack of opportunities, but his £30m valuation means that he is viewed as a risky addition because of the injury issues he has suffered throughout his career.

How has Sturridge done this season?

As we alluded to previously, the 28-year-old is keen to leave Liverpool having found himself behind Roberto Firmino in the pecking order for the striker role under Jurgen Klopp this term.

The centre-forward has scored three goals and provided a further three assists in 14 appearances in all competitions, but he has laregly had to make do with cameo appearances from the substitutes' bench and has missed their last nine matches through illness and injury.

Could Southampton still sign him?

Much could depend on their interest in Monaco's Guido Carrillo, as they may only want to sign one striker this month.

Sturridge's reported £30m price tag and high wages will certainly put Saints off, but if his value drops significantly or he is made available for loan nearer to the end of January they could make their move.

With 75 goals in 194 Premier League games he has the quality to end their struggles in front of goal, and the south coast outfit may also want a high-profile addition after missing out on Theo Walcott to Everton.

What's the verdict, then?

Well, it depends on what Liverpool decide to do, but Southampton will know that they will struggle to compete with Inter Milan if it comes down to a straight choice between the two clubs.

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