Speculations abound that disgruntled Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge could be the next European star to move to China during this year's winter transfer window.
While the winter window for Europe has already closed in the beginning of February, the one in China is still open until Feb. 26.
The 26-year-old Englishman has been plagued by injuries this season, having played only five games for the Reds and scoring twice, but he had been slowly "returning to fitness" from a recurring hamstring injury, according to local news reports.
However, Fansided reported that Sturridge was unhappy and offended by the comments of current Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, saying that the German head coach was "critical of Sturridge's toughness on several occasions this season".
It was mentioned that Klopp remarked that "Sturridge needed to learn the difference between the normal bumps and bruises of a Premier League season and truly being injured", which naturally hurt the ego of the Birmingham, England native.
The report further said that the timing of Sturridge's return to fitness overlaps that of rumors that he would like to exit the team this winter, which means it could either be his plan to force his way back into Klopp's lineup or he just simply wants to move away from the club soonest.
A big offer from China would certainly clarify Sturridge's current intentions as he would hit two birds with a single stone in the process. Not only is he getting away from a "new, demanding German manager", he would also get a significant raise at the same time.
Sturridge still has two-and-a-half years left in his existing deal with the Reds that pays him £150,000 per week, which could make Liverpool demand a substantial transfer fee to any Chinese club willing to bid on the England international, according to the Independent.
The 6-foot-2 forward began his senior career with Manchester City in 2006 and stayed there until 2009. He came from City's youth program as well.
In July 2009, Sturridge was signed by Chelsea and played there for four seasons. He was briefly sent on loan to the Bolton Wanderers during the 2010-2011 season.
He was signed by his current club, Liverpool, in January 2013 for an undisclosed fee which was rumored to be around £12 million. He had appeared in a total of 72 games for the Reds in four seasons so far, scoring 44 times.