Liverpool signs Sturridge from Chelsea

Liverpool have completed £12 million signing of striker Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea. The 23-year, has signed a long-term deal and will offer an extra option for manager Brendan Rodgers in a squad that has been short of forwards this season. Luis Suarez has been Liverpool’s only fit senior striker since mid-October, when Fabio Borini picked up a foot injury.

The arrival of Sturridge, whose chances at Chelsea have been limited by a hamstring injury this season, is intended to boost the attacking force of Liverpool.

He has been signed too late to play for Liverpool against Sunderland in the Premier League on Wednesday night, but is likely to make his debut in Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Blue Square Bet Premier side Mansfield.

Sturridge, who has four England caps and played for Great Britain’s football side at last summer’s Olympics, told Liverpool’s website: “I am humbled and happy to be here.

“Brendan Rodgers said he sees me here for a long time - and I also see myself here for a long time. I’ve not signed here to play for a couple of years and then move on.

“I’ve signed to be here for as long as possible. It’s a humongous club – for me, one of the biggest in the world – and to have the fans and world-class players we have here is amazing.”