By Emma Sanders
West Ham fans were sent into a frenzy on Twitter after a leading supporter’s account posted speculation that the club could sign Daniel Sturridge and Nathaniel Clyne.
Italian transfer site Calcio Mercato claimed West Ham were one of three Premier League clubs to show an interest in Sturridge though no credible source has linked the London club with Clyne.
It would be hugely surprising to see the Liverpool duo make the switch in January given their importance to Jurgen Klopp’s squad and the team’s growing title challenges.
West Ham have targeted both Daniel Sturridge and Nathaniel Clyne in the upcoming transfer window. pic.twitter.com/j6Soi97NDL
— Iron in the Blood (WHUFC Live) (@WHUFCLive) November 7, 2016
However, Sturridge appears to be increasingly unhappy with his status at Liverpool as he struggles to fight his way into the starting XI.
The England international has made just five first team starts this season and only four in the Premier League as he still searches for his first league goal.
Th 27 year-old has been overlooked and Roberto Firmino has been preferred in the centre-forward role and is delivering on all fronts having scored his fifth league goal in 11 games on Sunday.
Clyne has started every league game for the club at right-back this season and only faces competition from Liverpool youngsters Trent Alexander-Arnold and Connor Randall so is unlikely to leave in January.
Despite chances being very slim, Hammers’ fans reacted with amusement at the possibility of signing the two England internationals.
Here is a selection of the messages on Twitter:
— Jonathan (@JCLFC23) November 7, 2016
to be fair I can see us going after sturridge but not Clyne
— Lee Woolward (@Leewoolward) November 7, 2016
"@WestHamFCLive West Ham have targeted both Daniel Sturridge and Nathaniel Clyne" Taking the spotlight off fighting ,coins ,and Stadium rent
— Allan Madeley (@AllanMadeley) November 7, 2016
Incase you fancy a lunchtime laugh mate @_SamAlex
— Ben. (@BenGrace_) November 7, 2016
they won't even know who West Ham are. All the best.
— Sam. (@__SamAlex) November 7, 2016
???????? isn't clyne their first choice right back?
— ⚒ Gary Mills ⚒ (@GaryMillsy) November 7, 2016
— Paul® (@paultommo86) November 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/jossshyt6/status/795615271201411072
lets be realistic
— Jefferson Kibble (@kibble992) November 7, 2016
@tracygoddard66 I think Sturridge is a good idea????
— Hannah (@hannah_whufc) November 7, 2016
In other West Ham news, Aaron Cresswell is pictured taking part in his first England training session.