West Brom have announced the arrival of Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge on loan for the remainder of the season.
The Baggies have fended off competition from Newcastle, Sevilla and Inter to prise Sturridge away from Anfield in what is a major coup for the relegation strugglers.
Sturridge, who was born in Birmingham, has been pushing for a move away from Liverpool all month in a bid to enhance his chances of making the 2018 World Cup and has finally got his wish.
“I hope our fans can understand that we are fighting to stay in the Premier League, not just on the pitch but in the market place as well,” Alan Pardew told the club’s official website.
“This is a big coup for us and I speak for my staff and my players and say ‘thank you’ to Daniel for agreeing to assist us in league and cup.
“He has fantastic talent and will strengthen our ambitions on both fronts.”
Sturridge’s career has been savaged by injuries but West Brom are banking on the 28-year-old to remain fit in order to fire them to safety.
The England international has almost gone two months without first-team football and it will take time for West Brom’s new signing to get up to speed.
Sturridge averaged a goal or an assist every 85.7 minutes of action for Liverpool across the Premier League and Champions League this season.