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January 1 did not just herald the official opening of the transfer window, but the start of a World Cup year.

With under six months until the big kick off in Russia, last-minute attempts are being made to secure spots on outbound flights.

For some at Liverpool, this is no bother; their seat has long been booked. Unless injury dictates otherwise, the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Emre Can will be representing their countries in the summer.

Others are not. Including Daniel Sturridge.

That is why the striker is seeking a move from Anfield this month, with Inter Milan interested but Sevilla top of his wishlist.

Sturridge has not featured for England since October, coming on as a late substitute against Lithuania.

With just five league starts all season, Gareth Southgate will continue to look elsewhere unless the 28-year-old can find first-team football.

That, he believes, will come away from Anfield. Despite missing the past 10 games with injury, Liverpool's loss will be another club's gain, if a deal can be agreed.

Yet Sturridge is not alone in his desire to prove himself ahead of the World Cup.

Across Europe – and beyond – players are desperate to be given an opportunity in the spotlight before the squads are announced in May.

Just as Sturridge would like Sevilla to showcase his talents and serve a reminder to his international boss, could Anfield provide a similar platform for World Cup hopefuls?

Here is a run-down of those who still need to book their place in Russia – and how Liverpool might help them do so reach it.

Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich and France)

The French winger has some pedigree, with spells at Paris St-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich.

But the 21-year-old has only started just over half of Bayern's league games this season, and hasn't completed a full game since the start of November.

Competition for places in Didier Deschamps' is intense, with France one of the favourites for the showpiece event. Having only just been recalled to the senior set-up in August, Coman will be keen to solidify his hopes.

Able to play on both wings, but predominately on the left side, Coman would bring a real injection of quality to an already fearsome front line.

Kevin Gameiro (Atletico Madrid and France)

The striker broke Liverpool hearts in Basel back in 2016, scoring just after half time to hand the initiative to Sevilla in the Europa League final.

He could provide a decent back-up to Roberto Firmino however – particularly if Sturridge was to depart.

Granted, it would be difficult to sell swapping the bench of Atletico for the one at Anfield, but fighting on three fronts should guarantee him game time in one of Europe's most exciting forward line.

He would be cup-tied for the Champions League, but he will be desperate to squeeze his way back into a French squad he's been omitted from since March 2017.

(Image: GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Andre Schurrle (Borussia Dortmund and Germany)

The career of German forward has stalled in recent years, with injury severely impacting his spell at Borussia Dortmund since his move in 2016.

He's made just 10 Bundesliga starts in a season and a half at Westfalenstadion and, at 27, would be open to a move to reinvigorate his international hopes.

He has been linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion, but surely Schurrle could be more effective as an option for Jurgen Klopp, especially given his ability to play either wide or central.

The former Chelsea man has scored 22 goals in 57 appearances for the national team – an impressive record – but has picked up just two caps since Euro 2016.

Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich and Germany)

With questions over Liverpool's midfield raised once more following the defeat to Swansea, the 27-year-old emerges as an interesting option.

Rudy has struggled to establish himself at the Bundesliga giants since moving from Hoffenheim in the summer, starting just seven league games and featuring in one of the previous six.

A traditional holding midfielder with the capability of dictating the tempo – and also in possession of a decent range of passing – Rudy has been a mainstay in Joachim Low's squad for the past 12 months.

But that might not be the case in the summer if he continues to be left out by Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes.

Javier Pastore (Paris St-Germain and Argentina)

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Anfield in the Italian press, claims which are erroneous. However, there is clamour from supporters to sign him from the Ligue 1 leaders, with his skill set considered similar to the departed Philippe Coutinho.

The 28-year-old has started just eight league games for PSG this season, completing 90 minutes just three times. Capable of playing in central midfield, attacking midfield and on the left of a front three, his flexibility is reminiscent of the Brazilian.

After being left out of Argentina's most recent squad, for the friendlies with Russia and Nigeria, Pastore needs a move to boost his credentials ahead of the summer.

Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid and Belgium)

The left winger's progress has stalled in the Spanish capital this season, though it is yet to harm his status with Roberto Martinez and Belgium so far.

Yet after just seven starts in La Liga, the talented 24-year-old might need to move to continue his ascension.

Carrasco's limited game time is a curious situation after two solid seasons under Diego Simeone, especially given how he can operate across a front three. His dynamism would be welcome in Klopp's current set-up.

Lucas Moura (Paris St-Germain and Brazil)

Tottenham have made their move for the Brazilian which, inevitably, will lead to calls for the Reds to enter the race for the rapid winger.

The 25-year-old has been one of the more high-profile victims of the arrival of Neymar, as well as teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe. It means the former Sao Paolo star has not featured in a squad for a Ligue 1 fixture in 10 games.

He has not been called up to the Brazil squad since the summer of 2016, and a move to Anfield – adding to the searing pace of their quick front line – could see him catch the attention of national coach Tite.