The West Ham front four that could have been if they landed this key deal

Daniel Sturridge

West Ham were repeatedly linked with a move for Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge in the first half of the campaign given the Englishman’s lack of playing time at Anfield.

Yet, although they were loosely linked with a deadline day move for the forward, no deal ever materialised for the 27-year-old, who will have to try and force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven.

Sturridge has been restricted to just five Premier League starts this term, netting twice, and with Sadio Mane having returned from the African Cup of Nations this week and Philippe Coutinho nearing full fitness, it’s unlikely that he’s going to add to that tally anytime soon.

That’s why it was slightly surprising not to see the England international move last month, especially as West Ham would be an ideal place to go given that he’ll certainly play more there, and likely get ample goal-scoring opportunities.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t to be, and he’ll have to fight for a place at Liverpool in the second half of the season.