Sturridge Passes his Medical as Liverpool Begin January Spending Spree

Daniel Sturridge is on the verge of completing his £12million move from Chelsea to Liverpool after passing his medical.

The Liverpool Echo has revealed that Sturridge was at the club's training centre at Melwood to undergo a series of tests after agreeing personal terms with the Reds.

However, it is unlikely that he will be unveiled as a Liverpool player until January 2 as this is the first day that the necessary paperwork can be completed and he could well be in line for his debut on that day against Sunderland, or four days later in the FA Cup trip to Mansfield.

There had been some concerns that the deal would fall apart due to the demands of the forwards agent, but it seems the transfer is about to be completed as Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his squad in January.

The England international has struggled to force his way into the reckoning at Chelsea this season but did demonstrate his ability under former boss Andre Villas-Boas when he was starting regularly.

In fact his record of 24 goals in 49 starts for Chelsea shows that he can be a genuine goal threat and Liverpool fans will hope that he can help ease some of the pressure on Luis Suarez.

Sturridge has started just one Premier League game this season but it likely to be far more involved at Liverpool, with Rodgers having been forced to rely heavily on young players due to his relatively small squad.

The 23-year-old may not be the only new face to arrive at Liverpool in the New Year, as the Echo believes that the club are now turning their attention to completing a deal for Blackpool winger Tom Ince.

The winger left Liverpool just 18 months ago but has since impressed while playing for the Tangerines and is reportedly keen to return to the club in January.

There is also a belief that Liverpool will attempt to sign Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland who has hinted that he is ready to test himself in the Premier League.