Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge is demanding a massive pay rise from Liverpool along with a guarantee he will play only through the middle if he is to make a move to Anfield in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool with the Reds looking to add to the striking department, which as of now boasts of just Luis Suarez.

Summer signing Fabio Borini flattered to deceive before getting injured, which has kept him out now for a considerable time.

Liverpool's overreliance on Suarez has put them in danger of being in crisis if the Uruguayan get injured, which is why manager Brendan Rodgers has made buying a striker his priority when the window reopens in January.

According to the Daily Mirror, Sturridge is demanding an £80,000 a week ($129,000) salary along with an assurance he will not be played out wide, like he has been for the majority of his career at Chelsea.

Liverpool are reluctant to agree to the contract demands of Sturridge, seeing as he has hardly proven himself in the Premier League as yet, even if his chances at Chelsea might have been limited.

Meanwhile, Joe Allen has hailed the successful return of Lucas Leiva from injury, while harping on the importance of the Brazilian in the lineup.

"You're always going to miss quality players like Lucas and it's great to have him back in the side," Allen told the Liverpool Echo.

"When he pulled up injured in the Man City game it was a bitter blow. He had worked so hard to get back from the knee injury. It was a disappointing setback on a personal level but also from the football club's point of view.

"His return, with the steel and quality he brings, is only going to help the team going forward. It's a very important role.

"If you look at the top teams, they all utilise that position and have a quality player there.

"Lucas is vital for the way we play. With him back playing, I'm sure we'll get the benefits of that in terms of points and our position in the table."

Lucas' return meant Allen was employed in a more advanced role, a position which the Welsh international said he enjoys playing.

"I haven't played there for a while so I found myself trying to get back into the swing of things but it was great to be part of a victory," Allen added.

"I had that security of knowing that Lucas was there. It gives you the chance to express yourself further up the pitch, and try to get involved in creating and scoring goals."