Daniel Sturridge: Set to leave Chelsea?

Exactly a year ago, Daniel Sturridge seemed like the next big thing for Chelsea, and indeed England. He was just returning from a successful loan spell at Bolton, and he was set to be a main part of the revamped Chelsea squad under AVB. For another six months, it appeared to be the case. Sturridge was the top scorer for Chelsea until January when he was overtaken by Frank Lampard. However, things have fallen very quickly for the former Manchester City man. Under the new regime of Roberto di Matteo, Daniel Sturridge has been kept warm on the bench more often than not.

Daniel Sturridge is the kind of player who will create headlines even when he is playing. So, it is not surprising to see the transfer eagles surrounding him with only two days left in the transfer window.

Sturridge has two years left on his contract, which has put the club in a precarious position. He is on £60,000 a week wages, and he is likely to look at around £90,000 a week in the new contract. Given the wealth of attacking options at the disposal now, it is highly unlikely that the club will be held for ransom. He is not getting any favours from the manager, who has largely used him as a substitute.

Hence, he is likely to look at his importance within the team before signing the new contract. Chelsea also would not want him to enter into the final year of his contract, as it would decrease his market value.

According to the Sun, Chelsea have put a £25 million price tag on the 22-year-old, which might be steep. However, a deal could be done in the region of £15 million. Liverpool and Arsenal have showed an interest, while our former manager AVB could also spring a surprise. So far, Sturridge has shown that he is not a team-player and is always looking for his own glory. It would not be surprising if he is sold in the last few days of the transfer window 2012.