Daniel Sturridge is close to signing a new long-term deal that could net the Liverpool striker £150,000 per week.
Sturridge, 25, who is recovering from a thigh problem and missed last night’s defeat in Basle, has been a huge success since joining 18 months ago.
He still has four years left on the terms that were agreed after his £12million arrival from Chelsea.
But Liverpool are ready to reward his progress — he has scored 36 goals in 52 games — with a new contract, which would be heavily incentivised on his performances and run to the summer of 2019.
Talks had been planned for the end of last season but were put on hold due to the World Cup. Liverpool are bracing themselves for Sturridge to be selected today in England’s squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia, despite manager Brendan Rodgers warning the 25-year-old will not be fit. England boss Roy Hodgson faces a club-versus-country row today if he selects Sturridge.
England’s medical staff spent time at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground with the club’s doctors on Monday assessing Sturridge’s injury ahead of the announcement.
Hodgson names his squad today for Euro 2016 qualifiers with San Marino (next Thursday), Estonia (October 12) and Slovenia (November 15). Manchester United left back Luke Shaw is set to drop down into the Under 21s with Kieran Gibbs in line for a recall to the seniors. Calum Chambers may be retained by Hodgson as cover for John Stones, Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill.– Daily Mail