Chelsea sign Man City's Sturridge

by **Quiver** Sun Jul 05, 2009 1:27 am

Chelsea have signed striker Daniel Sturridge from Manchester City on a four-year contract.

The 19-year-old made his debut for City in February 2007 and scored four times in 26 appearances last season.

Sturridge, who was City's young player of the year in 2009, has represented England up to Under-20 level.

Because Sturridge is under 24 and turned down a new deal at City, compensation is due and the clubs may need a tribunal to agree a fee.

City are reportedly looking to get a 'development fee' of around £10m for Sturridge, although Chelsea's valuation is thought to be somewhat lower at an estimated £3m.

City boss Mark Hughes had been keen to keep Sturridge but would not meet what he believed to be excessive wage demands.

Hughes recently told BBC Radio Manchester: "We have made an offer which is a good offer for Daniel at this stage of his career and that was refused a couple of weeks back."

Sturridge, the nephew of ex-Derby striker Dean Sturridge, will join the rest of the Chelsea squad when pre-season training begins next week.