The England striker has only made three Premier League apperances this season for the Reds and spent the festive period recovering in the USA

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Daniel Sturridge is set to return to England in the next 24 hours as he nears a Liverpool comeback.

The striker has not played a Premier League match since August due to a thigh and calf injuries, twice suffering setbacks in a bid to return to full fitness.

Sturridge, who has one goal in three league appearances this term, subsequently travelled to Boston to continue his rehabilitation.

Manager Brendan Rodgers stated at the end of December that the England international would soon return to Merseyside and Sturridge is now due back by Friday at the latest.

“Daniel Sturridge is in the final stages of his recovery,” Rodgers said. “He will be back in the country in the next 24 hours.

“Daniel is a top-class player, he has wonderful qualities. He will make any team better. I’m hoping he can stay fit and make a charge for us.”

Rodgers also stated that there was no update on a contract extension for Raheem Sterling, who continues to be linked with Real Madrid and Manchester City, while also cooling rumours that Liverpool are interested in signing James Milner from City.

“There’s no update on Raheem’s contract,” he added. “That’s something between the club and his representatives.”

On Milner, he explained: “James is a wonderful player but players get linked with the club consistently.”

The Reds midfielder is set to quit the club for LA Galaxy in the summer but could still return in a temporary deal – much like Frank Lampard at Manchester City

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard refuses to rule out returning to the club on loan from LA Galaxy, though his next club are adamant that they will be his top priority.

The Reds legend has agreed a deal to join the Californian club at the end of his contract in the summer but Frank Lampard’s success on loan at Manchester City this season has prompted suggestions that Gerrard could be back at Anfield sooner than expected.

Galaxy president Chris Klein, however, stressed to BBC Radio 5 Live that “Gerrard’s focus will be LA Galaxy”, adding that the midfielder is due to make his debut for the Major League Soccer side against San Jose Earthquakes on July 17.

“Signing Steven ranks right up there [with the David Beckham deal in 2007] and we’re very excited about it,” Klein enthused. “The attention it has created has been incredible. He’s a worldwide name and people are very excited.”

Gerrard remarked to the Liverpool Echo: “I’ve not even thought about the possibility of a loan. I’ve not had that conversation with anyone.

“I can’t rule it out but I can’t confirm it would happen either.

“The way the season works in MLS, there’s a break around winter time. What I can say is that I’d love to be able to come back and train with the lads to keep my fitness levels up.

“Whether that could lead to playing for the club again, I don’t know. That wouldn’t be my decision. You’d have to ask others that question.”

The Liverpool captain will end a 26-year association with the Reds at the end of the season, revealing the MLS outfit said all the right things

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he was impressed by LA Galaxy’s “aggressive” pursuit of his signature after confirming his end-of-season move.

The midfielder will head to MLS at the end of the current Premier League campaign after announcing last Friday that he would end his 26-year association with the Anfield club.

The move will see Gerrard play his football away from Liverpool for the first time in his career and revealed the MLS outfit were extremely persuasive in their attempts to attract him to the StubHub Center.

“Their pursuing me was very aggressive,” he told the club’s official website. “The talks I’ve had with them have been very positive.

“They basically told me what I wanted to hear, told me about the winning mentality at the club, told me what their aims and goals are for the future and it basically suited me at this stage in my career.

“I’ll be going over there to hopefully win more medals and to finish my career over there.

“It’s really exciting both on and off the pitch, but the most important thing is that I go there and it’s a success on the pitch.”

Gerrard has been at Liverpool all of his playing career, joining his boyhood club at the age of eight, and has admitted he expects to find the early days of his new chapter to be a struggle.

“The biggest challenge will be settling in,” he added. “I’ve lived in Liverpool all my life. I’m a Scouser through and through, I love my city and I’m proud of my roots.

“But you only get one life and it’s important to try different things, new experiences.

“It’s also a big thing for my children as well, to take them out of their comfort zone and give them a life experience that will hopefully help them develop as humans.

“It’s perfect timing for this new challenge and I’m really excited and looking forward to it.”