Slaven Bilic eyes move for Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he will be interested in signing Daniel Sturridge if the Liverpool striker becomes available in January.

The England international will miss West Ham's visit to Anfield on Sunday because of a calf problem, and Bilic believes the player's injury problems are a concern.

But should the 27-year-old leave Liverpool, the Hammers boss reckons there will be much competition for his signature.

Bilic said: "He's one of the biggest talents, he's a great player. The talent is there, the touch, the finishing, everything is great.

"The only thing that has stopped him being a regular for club and country are the injuries.

"He's just a player that has been linked with us, basically, and we've been linked with almost every player.

"We're always there in contention. Most of the time it's absolutely not true, 95 per cent of the time.

"But you're asking me about Sturridge and I have no problem about that. All the clubs are thinking about him because he is that kind of player.

"I don't know his work rate, I don't know his dedication to his job or whatever but unfortunately for England and for Liverpool and especially for him he's injured. That's his problem."

Liverpool lost a two-goal advantage in their 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend and will be aiming to bounce back against West Ham.

Although the Hammers sit just one point above the relegation zone, Bilic is confident his side can exploit Liverpool's weaknesses on Merseyside.

Bilic said: "They are definitely one of the contenders for the Premier League title - some of their football is great and most of their football is quite consistent this season.

"Obviously last week was not great because they were winning 3-1 and lost 4-3, but they are obviously one of the title contenders.

"Of course that result gives us heart because they are conceding goals.

"In a 90-minute game you have all sorts of situations, but the way Liverpool play at Anfield, the opponent has to be solid first of all, compact behind the ball with numbers to stop them creating.

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