Alan Pardew has completed a stunning swoop for Liverpool’s England World Cup hopeful Daniel Sturridge.
Hitman Sturridge has joined on loan deal for the remainder of the season.
It will gives the Baggies a major shot in the arm in their battle to avoid relegation.
Pards moved to complete the unexpected coup as West Brom hurriedly set up Sturridge’s medical – while his former club Newcastle failed to get out of the starting blocks.
The Baggies boss said: “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.
“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 added: “This felt like the right fit. I’ve got friends here I’ve played with before.
“The manager spoke very well, the challenge with the team and the style of play. I just felt this was the right fit for me.”
Newcastle had appeared early favourites to land the out-of-favour Anfield ace.
However, the Baggies’ negotiating team left their relegation rivals Red and buried as they nipped in to agree terms with Liverpool and the player’s representatives.
Newcastle had appeared early favourites to land the out-of-favour Anfield ace.
However, the Baggies’ negotiating team left their relegation rivals Red and buried as they nipped in to agree terms with Liverpool and the player’s representatives.
The Birmingham-born striker was anxious to complete his move to the Hawthorns before Wednesday’s transfer deadline, having previously been courted by Serie A giants Inter Milan and La Liga side Sevilla.
Sturridge has not appeared for Jurgen Klopp’s side since coming on as substitute in the 7-0 hammering of Spartak Moscow on December 6.
A combination of niggling injuries and the form of Roberto Firmino has left him out in the cold at Anfield and in danger of missing the plane to Russia for this summer’s World Cup.
Now he plans to kick-start a hugely frustrating season by helping Pards keep Albion in the Premier League.
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