Leeds sign Morison as Becchio joins Norwich in swap deal‏

By Russ Vernon

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of striker Steve Morison on a three-and-a-half year deal from Norwich City with Luciano Becchio moving in the opposite direction.

The 29-year old Morison joins Leeds in an exchange deal for Luciano Becchio with a further undisclosed sum to be paid by Norwich. Morison completed the formalities of his switch this morning.

The Welsh striker cost Norwich £2.8m from Millwall in June 2011 and has scored 12 goals for the Canaries in which 10 have been in the Premier League. Morison who has made 27 appearances this season for the Canaries scored 40 goals in 95 appearances for Millwall before he joined Norwich.

United manager Neil Warnock said on completing the Morison deal: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to bring Steve in. Even before Luciano put in his transfer request we had enquired about Steve – he was at the top of my list in January to bring in – and I can’t tell you how delighted I am. Steve meets all the requirements of the striker we’ve been looking to bring in. For me, he is a player who has everything. He can score goals from anywhere – whether it’s 25 yards or a tap-in – he has pace, and he has all the attributes you want.”

Becchio told Canaries Player: “I spoke to Robert Snodgrass and Jonny Howson about Norwich and they both had really good things to say about the Club and the city. I cannot wait to play my first game for Norwich. I am really happy about having the chance to play in the Premier League, it is brilliant for me personally and for my career." The Argentine said he was looking forward to playing against some of the best players in the world, including some of his fellow countrymen. The Premier League has some brilliant players including people like Aguero and Tevez and it will be a great experience for me to play against players of that quality.” 

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