Transfer wrap: Sturridge to Liverpool, Ba headed for Chelsea

Liverpool have completed the signing of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea on a long-term contract.

Sturrridge, who was part of the Chelsea squad that won the FA Cup and Champions League last season, becomes the fourth signing of the Brendan Rodgers era at Anfield.

And the 23-year-old could make his debut for Liverpool in their FA Cup tie against Mansfield on Sunday.

Sturridge had made just one league start for Chelsea this season, and is delighted to have moved to a club as steeped in history as Liverpool.

“I am humbled and happy to be here,” Sturridge told the club’s official website.

“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.”

And while Chelsea have offloaded one striker, they are preparing to bring in another with Newcastle United confirming the London club have triggered Demba Ba’s release clause.

The former West Ham marksman is set to hold talks with Chelsea and has been withdrawn from Newcastle’s squad for Wednesday’s Premier League game against Everton.

Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic have signed young Manchester United striker Angelo Henriquez on loan until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old joined the Old Trafford side in August 2012, but has yet to make his first-team debut after finding himself behind the likes of Robin van Persie and Chicharito in the pecking order.

Henriquez, who made his full international debut in November during Chile’s defeat to Serbia and going on to net his first goal, could debut in Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Bournemouth.

In other transfer news on Wednesday, Bundesliga outfit Hannover confirmed they have opened talks with Arsenal regarding a move for out of favour defender Johan Djourou.

“I can confirm the name (of Djourou),” Hannover president Martin Kind told Bild. “He is on our list. There have been talks.”

Djorou, who is out of favour at Arsenal, could reportedly join the club on loan with the view of a permanent deal.

Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk midfielder Derek Boateng is expected to complete a move to Fulham after undergoing a medical at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

Atalanta defender Federico Peluso underwent a medical at Serie A champions Juventus ahead of his protracted season-long loan, with the option of making the transfer permanent at the end of the campaign.

Borussia Dortmund general manager Michael Zorc has confirmed the Bundesliga champions are opened to the idea of bringing midfielder Nuri Sahin back to the club, with the Turkish international struggling for game time at Liverpool.

Former Italy international striker Tommaso Rocchi is set to move to Inter Milan in the coming days after completing his final training session with Serie A rivals Lazio.

Argentine giants Boca Juniors revealed they have made an attempt to bring Valencia midfielder Fernando Gago back to the club in January.