Southampton have dropped their interest in Liverpool’s attacker Daniel Sturridge after the Reds demanded £50 million.
The Saints just missed out on signing Theo Walcott from Arsenal after the England attacker joined Everton.
But they are in desperate need of firepower at Saint Mary.
Sturridge has fallen well down the pecking order at Anfield with the likes of Danny Ings and Dominic Solanke preferred to him.
But he wants to play in the World Cup later this year and knows he cannot be considered regular first-team action.
Inter Milan and Sevilla have enquired about his availability this month, but the duo are looking for temporary deals which is not ideal for Liverpool.
With just 18 months left on his current deal, Liverpool run the risk of losing him for nothing after next season.
Southampton are the only side who have signaled their intent to sign him permanently but the £5o million asking price set by Liverpool is unrealistic for an attacker that is injury prone and would be 29 years later this year.
Southampton are looking at signing the attacker for £20 million, that may be too little for Liverpool who just signed Virgil van Dijk from them for £75 million.
