Liverpool complete Carroll swoop

Liverpool have completed the record signing of Andy Carroll, with the striker joining from Newcastle on transfer deadline day.

The 35-million-pound transfer makes Carroll the most expensive British player in history, surpassing the 30.3-million-pound fee Manchester United paid to Leeds United for Rio Ferdinand in 2002.

Carroll, 22, was targeted by the Merseysiders as a replacement for Fernando Torres, who joined Chelsea for a reported fee of 50 million pounds on Monday.

“Andy Carroll has tonight completed his transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool FC and signed a five-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2016,” a Liverpool statement read.

“The club agreed a record transfer fee with Newcastle earlier in the day for the transfer of the England international striker. The deal was subject to the completion of a medical, which the player has now passed. Andy Carroll will wear the No. 9 shirt for Liverpool.”

Torres will partner fellow new signing Luis Suarez in Liverpool’s attack, with the Uruguayan completing his 22.8-million-pound transfer on Monday.

Carroll’s transfer fee is the eighth highest of all time and will place large pressure on the England international to be a consistent supplier of goals for Kenny Dalglish’s side.

The striker has enjoyed a successful start to the 2010-11 Premier League season, netting 11 goals in 19 appearances.

Carroll could make his Liverpool debut when his new side host Stoke City at Anfield on Wednesday.