According to a recent report from The Liverpool Echo, Liverpool look set to retain the services of Daniel Sturridge beyond the summer deadline. The 28-year-old’s future at Anfield has been subject of speculation for a while now given his lack of first team opportunities under Jurgen Klopp, yet an impressive start to pre-season looks to have earned him an Anfield stay.

However, it’s still unlikely that the England international will command regular football at the Merseyside giants, which is why Claude Puel’s Leicester City simply must test Liverpool’s resolve by moving for the £13.5 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt).

The Breakdown

Ultimately, while pre-season appears to have gone well for Sturridge, there’s a reason he only made nine Premier League appearances for the Reds last season and was subsequently shipped out on loan to fellow top-flight side West Brom during the winter - he’s not a key member of the first team at Anfield.

The lethal front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah bagged a staggering 91 goals between them last term to suggest that only someone incredibly special will displace any of them in Klopp’s starting eleven, and Sturridge simply isn’t at that required level.

And while he has been praised by Klopp for his efforts in pre-season, he’s still not going to command regular football at Anfield, which is why Puel’s Leicester should test their resolve by launching a raid for the 28-year-old.

Other than striker Jamie Vardy, who has scored at least 16 goals in each of his last three seasons at the King Power Stadium, the other forward options at Leicester haven’t entirely convinced during their respective stints at the club, not least the likes of Islam Slimani, Leonardo Ulloa, and Ahmed Musa.

Shinji Okazaki adds a great deal to the attacking ranks but simply isn’t prolific in front of goal, thus leaving Vardy and ex-Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho as Puel’s main men heading into the 2018/19 campaign - thus, there is definitely space for Sturridge in the squad.

After all, the 28-year-old has bagged 75 goals in 200 appearances at Premier League level to underline the fact that, when fully fit and firing, there are few better in front of goal than the England international. And given his exploits in pre-season, it appears that he is as fit as he’s been in a while.

Yes, reports suggest that the Reds will indeed keep hold of Sturridge beyond the summer deadline, but given he is out of contract next summer, any offer is likely to be considered given they could lose him for free in 12 months’ time.

As such, Leicester simply must seek to test Liverpool’s resolve by launching a raid for the striker.

Leicester and Liverpool fans… what do you think? Let us know!