Slaven Bilic denies making move on Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge

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 completing his move to Fiorentina last night, Bilic is keen to bolster his attacking options.

“That is only a rumour and there is nothing behind it,” said Bilic. “I am not talking about who we want — Daniel Sturridge is a big player and a big name — but that is only paper talk.”

Bilic said Sakho, who this week was involved in a car accident, and Carroll are both “ahead of schedule” on their return from injury and are expected to be available in mid-February.

“We are not panicking,” added Bilic. “There are a couple of players that may leave. Maybe Jelavic and if that happens, then we are going to try and get one striker.”