Chelsea to Hijack Liverpool’s Replacement for Daniel Sturridge

Chelsea are set to join Tottenham and Liverpool in pursuit of West Brom forward Saido Berahino, according to Daily Express. The 22-year-old is a long-term target of Tottenham; the North London tried to sign the forward in the summer transfer window, but their bid was rejected by the Baggies. Liverpool wants to sign Berahino as a replacement for Daniel Sturridge as Jurgen Klopp already told the player can he leave the club.

Spurs have renewed their interest in the player in the January transfer window, but according to the report, they are now facing competition from the Premier League champions.

Berahino rose to prominence after scoring 14 league goals for the Baggies last season. This season, he has managed to score only three league goals from 15 appearances. Chelsea are currently short on strikers and manager Guus Hiddink has already mentioned that he is assessing the situation and would delve into the transfer market if it’s necessary.

Hiddink will only have Diego Costa as a fit striker available to him ahead of the Wednesday’s League clash against West Brom. Loic Remy has just recovered from an injury whereas Radamel Falcao is still weeks away from recovering from a thigh problem.

In his pre-match conference, Hiddink said: “We have a multitude of games, so I hope Remy picks it up. I hope he will deliver if he is needed. We are short of options. I hope they will both stay fit. I would be concerned if either picked up another injury.”

“We are thinking about the situation. We have to have good competition, double occupation in every position. We must not go into the dangerous situation when something happens with one of the two strikers.”

The Dutchman has also ruled out any first team appearances from Patrick Bamford in the near future. Bamford recently returned from his disastrous loan spell at Crystal Palace and Hiddink thinks that he needs to play with U-21s first to regain his match fitness.
“Bamford also has not played a lot of games,” said Hiddink. “He hardly played at Palace, so that’s why he has to prove himself first with the Under-21’s here. Then we’ll see what can happen.”