NEWCASTLE UNITED have missed out on Daniel Sturridge, with the Liverpool striker having turned down an opportunity to join the Magpies in order to move to West Brom.

Having been unable to agree a fee with Feyenoord for Danish international Nicolai Jorgensen, Newcastle switched their attention to Sturridge earlier today.

They agreed the broad terms of a loan agreement with Liverpool that would have seen Sturridge move to St James’ Park for the remainder of the season, with Newcastle agreeing to pay the whole of his wages, which are understood to be around £130,000-a-week.

Rafael Benitez is understood to have spoken to Sturridge in person, and Newcastle officials had been hoping that Sturridge would travel to the North-East this afternoon in order to undergo a medical.

Instead, Sturridge opted to move to West Brom, with former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew having been able to confirm his signature this evening.

Geography has played a key part in Sturridge’s decision, with the 28-year-old having been born in Birmingham and still having a number of family members in the city.

Missing out on Sturridge at such a late stage of the transfer window represents a major blow to the Magpies, with Feyenoord continuing to insist they will not reduce their €25m asking price for Jorgensen.

Newcastle have had two bids rejected for the striker, the second of which was worth around £15m.