ANDY CARROLL has completed a sensational £35m move from Newcastle United to Liverpool with just minutes remaining of the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old, who has become the world's eighth most expensive footballer, successfully passed a medical earlier tonight after agreeing terms at the Reds' Melwood training complex.

Carroll was earmarked as the successor to Fernando Torres, who has joined Chelsea in a British record busting £50m deal, at Anfield where he will wear the No 9 shirt and after an amazing series of events he has signed a five-and-a-half year contract.

The Gateshead-born striker has scored 11 times in the Premier League this season, form which earned him a first England cap and recognition from across the country.

And despite interest and offers from Tottenham, it was Liverpool that finally agreed a £35m deal after having an initial offer of £30m rejected by the board at St James' Park.

It is understood that Carroll – who will form an exciting new forward line with Luis Suarez at Liverpool - had outlined a desire to join Kenny Dalglish's men after being informed that Newcastle's valuation had been met.

But while Carroll flew across to the North-West from St James' Park, Magpies boss Alan Pardew, owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias were frantically trying to seek a replacement.

Johan Elmander, Carlton Cole, Nicklas Bendtner and Peter Crouch were all considered by Pardew but Newcastle were informed none were for sale.

And that prompted Pardew to make a surprise late move for former Newcastle winger Charles N'Zogbia, but Wigan rejected a £12m offer for him. Now, in a situation that will infuriate supporters, Newcastle will head into the final months of the season minus their star striker and without a replacement.

Earlier in the day Newcastle completed the loan signing of Stephen Ireland on loan from Aston Villa. Xisco, meanwhile, has completed a loan move to Deportivo La Coruna until the end of the season.