Bolton Get Sturridge Instead of Vela

There have been some massive transfers this deadline day involving big players, big clubs and big money. This transfer isn't as big as those including Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez or Andy Carroll, but it sees Danny Sturridge of Chelsea joining Bolton Wanderers in a loan deal until the end of the season.

After Chelsea's £50 million signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool, Sturridge will obviously find it harder than it already has been for him to grab a place in the first team ahead of Drogba, Anelka and now the new Spaniard. A move away which guarantees him games is a great move for the promising young English forward where he can prove his obvious talents ad grow as a player with some decent time on the pitch at an increasingly talented Bolton side.

Bolton had tried to sign the Arsenal striker Carlos Vela, but the Mexican's agent was a big stumbling block for the transfer, and in the end, Vela joined West Brom from Arsenal rather than Bolton. Sturridge is, nevertheless, a big scoop for Bolton.
It seems both parties are very pleased with the transfer. Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager said of his new signing:

"I'm really pleased to have Daniel with us,"

"He's a terrific young talent and one of the most exciting strikers in the country. We're all looking forward to working with him."

While Sturridge, who was linked to a move to Liverpool in a part exchange deal for Torres said:

"I spoke with the manager and he outlined what he hopes to achieve and his plans. It was an easy decision to sign for Bolton Wanderers and I'm looking forward to linking up with the squad on Tuesday."

The 21 year-old also said that Jack Wilshere, the Arsenal midfielder who spent a good spell at Bolton on loan had encouraged him to join the Bolton set up:

"I'm good friends with Jack (Wilshere) and he told me all about the club too. He said how much he had enjoyed his time here and how good the set-up was."

Today's Transfer News

There has been a surprising amount of big name and big money moves going on this window, especially considering that the January window is usually quite slow and over hyped. Names such as Fernando Torres, Gareth Bale, Andy Carroll, Sulley Muntari and Stephane Sessegnon are the big names today, the day after Luis Suarez finally signed for Liverpool.

First of all, is Luis Suarez the partner or replacement for Torres at Anfield? The Spanish striker has submitted a transfer request to his club which has swiftly been rejected with a club statement asking Torres to honor the commitment he made to both Liverpool and the fans. His current contract ends in 2013, and it is believed that Chelsea have offered £35 million for the privilege of Torres playing in the blue shirt. Liverpool are now awaiting an improved offer, and despite a reported bid of £40 million and Danny Sturridge in the pipeline, Liverpool will do everything they can to fend Chelsea off their star striker.

Gareth Bale hasn't expressed his desire to leave Tottenham like Torres has Liverpool, but he is certainly attracting attention from top clubs around Europe. Inter Milan have felt the full force of Bale's brilliant left foot already and feel it would be better for them if he was on their side rather than the oppositions. However, they don't want to pay the £40 million valuation that Spurs have placed on Bale. Inters sporting director said that he received an email from the Tottenham chairman stating £40 million wouldn't be enough, and the Inter director replied by saying that the large amount isn't compatible with their strategies.
Perhaps Liverpool should value Torres at something ridiculous and get rid of pursuers that way?

Newcastle have rejected a bid for Andy Carroll of £23 million. The Magpies have once again been forced to reiterate the simple fact that the England striker is not for sale, and a Newcastle source called the bid 'paltry in the current climate'. The strikers 11 goals this season have helped his club to a respectable 9th in the League, and it his frightening presence up the field that has made him such a threat for Newcastle against opposing defenders that is attracting Spurs. Spurs know from Bale, that clubs with good players can be ever so stubborn about letting them go.

As Newcastle try to fight off interest for top players, their local rivals Sunderland are bringing them in as they try and snatch a European place. Inter Milan may not want to part with £40 million, but they don't mind letting Sulley Muntari go. Muntari is no £40 million, but he is still a good player, and certainly someone who can help out alongside Lee Cattermole in the Sunderland midfield.

Muntari is on loan until the end of the season, and the 26 year-old said of his move: "It feels great to be at Sunderland and to be back in English football. I'm very happy and from what I have seen here, it's going to be great."

Another 26 year-old joining Muntari at Sunderland is Stephane Sessegnon, for £6 million. The midfielder, who is described by his new manager Steve Bruce as someone who "can play on the left, on the right, through the middle - he's lightning quick and he's a match-winner." Bruce added that he thinks that Sessegnon will be a crowd favourite at the Stadium of Light. He has a while to prove his worth to the fans, as he signed a three and a half year deal at Sunderland.

Finally, Carlos Vela has officially joined West Brom on loan. The Arsenal striker was strongly linked to a move to Bolton, and Owen Coyle revealed that he had spoken to the players agent, but after being demanded to pay both the wages of the player and additional fees, pulled out.
Vela made only 13 appearances for Arsenal this season and 62 in total, scoring 11 times for the Gunners and the the West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo welcomed Vela to his club:

''I'd like to officially welcome Carlos, who is an exciting signing for this club. Carlos is a new attacking option for us who can play both centrally and in the wide areas.

''He also has great technical ability and pace and we're hoping he can make a big impact during the remainder of the season."

Suarez - Torres Partner or Replacement?

Just when things were looking good for Liverpool, along come Chelsea to ruin it. Liverpool have had a bid accepted for Ajax striker Luis Suarez, a top quality proven striker that could be the perfect foil for the out of form Fernando Torres. But while the Liverpool fans had a chance to imagine the beautiful link up and combination play that Torres and Suarez could perform together, banging in goal after goal and rejuvenating the Liverpool side to pull them back up the table, Chelsea bid a tempting £35 million.

Those dreams have been interrupted, temporarily at least, as Torres has apparently asked Liverpool not to just dismiss the offer, but to listen to it - to consider it. The offer has of course been rejected by Liverpool who value their star striker far higher than £35 million, but if Torres wants reconsideration, his heart and head can't be in the cause. His performances on the field suggest exactly that, with him dipping in and out of matches and not performing anywhere near the quality expected of him.

Since writing Torres has submitted a transfer request, and had it rejected by Liverpool. A Liverpool statement read:

"Torres has this even submitted a transfer request - this request has been rejected."

Some reports suggest that Chelsea will return with a renewed offer of £40 million and English striker Danny Sturridge. In Torres' current poor form and irritating knack for picking up strangely soft injuries this is certainly an offer that should be considered. The Reds have been linked to Danny Sturridge in the past, with the former Manchester City man reportedly asking to go out on loan to Liverpool for more first team opportunities. Sturridge is a very promising young striker, and has the ability to easily nail his name to the Liverpool team sheet on a regular basis, with Liverpool's attacking force still low on numbers despite the excellent addition of Suarez. They would then also have the £40 million to do what they like with; bring in a new left and/or right back, a winger and a creative midfielder, all involved in the process of building a new team for Kenny Dalglish.

If it is true that Torres has effectively asked to leave, it is a doubly big blow for Liverpool who thought the addition of a big name striker would persuade Torres of the high future aspirations of the club. Torres must know that he isn't playing well, and his team have been playing much the same for the whole season, so a way out for him to a club who, although not having a great second half of the season, look more likely to nick a Champions League spot, is an improvement.

So, Suarez may not even get the chance to play alongside Fernando Torres despite his multi-million pound move, and may have to settle for either David N'gog or Danny Sturridge.

I can't really see Torres moving to Chelsea, mainly because Liverpool will do everything they can to keep him. If Torres wants to go and makes it very clear he wants to go, then a deal would look more likely, but with the limited amount of time before the window shuts, Liverpool's stubbornness to keep their star strike should be enough to fend off pursuers for at least the summer window.

This is yet another transfer saga ready to drag itself through every news source possible until the summer, unless of course Torres dismisses the rumours and expresses his loyalty to the club. I hate hearing that ever familiar line we hear from footballers that although very true, is also very uninspiring not at all reassuring for fans: "Anything can happen in football".

Honda & Sturridge Want Liverpool Move

More January transfer news now, and this time over at Liverpool where Hodgson is scouring the world for players who can turn his fortunes around - with the help of his director of football strategy whose name seems to be everywhere in relation to Liverpool transfer targets, Damien Comolli. It has emerged today that Liverpool are the front runners to sign both Keisuke Honda of CSKA Moscow, and Danny Sturridge of Chelsea, as both players are reportedly keen to play at Anfield.

Keisuke Honda represented his country, Japan in the 2010 World Cup and scored a couple of goals thanks to his amazingly powerful free kick technique. He currently plays his club football in Russia at CSKA Moscow, but his agent has suggested a move to Liverpool could be on the cards. Honda had previously been linked with a move to Arsenal, but a Liverpool switch is far more likely. Kees Ploegsma, the players agent, said that the move was only speculation at the moment, as the Reds have not made a firm bid, but Liverpool and the Premier League is where he wants to be:

“If he could move to a club like Liverpool it would be great, but the two clubs must come to an agreement first. The Premier League is a great competition which he would like to play in.”

The situation with the young Chelsea striker, Danny Sturridge is less clear, but it is thought that the 21 year-old has requested a loan move away from Stamford Bridge, with his preferred option being Liverpool. The former Manchester City player has made only 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring in none of them, and a good run in a team would do his confidence - and goal rate the world of good.

Once tipped to be the player of his generation, he is now a bench warmer for Chelsea, and seeking a temporary move away to prove he can handle the Premier League. No doubt he has potential, but if he isn't given the chance to show it, his talents will have been wasted.

Roy Hodgson will be keen to strengthen his attacking force, and with Honda being an impressive attacking midfielder and Sturridge being a classy striker with bags of potential, Liverpool will be moving in the right direction with these two signings.