SAINTS are being linked with a January transfer window move for England striker Daniel Sturridge.

In a novel twist, instead of Liverpool being linked with Saints stars, now it’s Saints who are reported to be keen on the out-of-favour Anfield striker.

The 27-year-old has scored twice for his country in recent World Cup qualifiers – against Malta and Scotland.

But he has only started one league game for Liverpool since the middle of September.

He has been restricted to a handful of sub appearances since then – including a 12-minute appearance at St Mary’s last Saturday.

The Daily Express are today reporting that Saints could make a move to bring Sturridge in on loan in January, with a view to a possible £25m move next summer.

Sturridge has netted 49 league goals in 59 starts for Liverpool, plus 19 off the bench, since a £13m switch from Chelsea in January 2013.

Saints boss Claude Puel last week said more of his players need to start supporting top scorer Charlie Austin.

And last week’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool meant Saints have only scored eight times in their last 10 league and cup matches.

Two of those goals have been penalties, and another an own goal.

Austin has only netted once in open play in those ten games, while he is one of only four Saints to have scored during that period.

Liverpool were this week again linked with a January transfer move for Saints centre half Virgil Van Dijk.