West Ham manager Slaven Bilic denies bid for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge joking, 'I would also like to sign Lionel Messi'

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has denied making a move for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.

With both Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho sidelined through injury and Mauro Zarate closing in on a deal to join Fiorentina, Bilic is keen to bolster his attacking options in the transfer window.

But the Hammers boss has dismissed speculation that Sturridge, the England striker who has featured just six times for the Reds this season due to a string of injuries, is poised for east London.

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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has denied making a move for injury-prone Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge

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Hammers boss Bilic has dismissed speculation that Sturridge, liking it to his interest in Lionel Messi

'That is only a rumour and there is nothing behind it,' said Bilic when asked about the Chelsea and Manchester City forward.

'I am not talking about who we want - Daniel Sturridge is a big player and a big name - but that is only paper talk.'