Klopp quashes Sturridge Liverpool exit talk

Sturridge has been sidelined since early December with a hamstring problem and has made just six appearances this season and playing in only 19 games last term.

His current injury is the latest in a long list of fitness issues which have made the England international unavailable for much of his three years at Anfield, with Reds boss Klopp voicing his frustrations both privately and publicly.

Reports on Friday suggested Sturridge was unhappy with public criticism of his injury record and a perceived lack of desire and could seek to secure a transfer in the close-season.

But Klopp was dismissive of the report when quizzed by reporters on Friday and maintained there was little substance to the claims.

"If someone wants to ask me something about what they have heard about, then they can ask me, but not 'suggestions' -- I am not interested in this," Klopp said.

"The Daniel story is not a story. How can it be a story? You cannot create stories and then ask me.

"Daniel has been back in training two days and that is great, so everything looks good in this moment.

"What Daniel needs, what each player needs, is consistent training. That is normal to be fit for Premier League football.

"Obviously there were a few problems in the past with a few injuries, not just since I was here, and that is part of the truth, but this is the past and it would be cool if we could leave it there and we can start from now on.

"We tried everything we could to bring him to this shape and now we are in the moment when hopefully we can get the benefit of this work."