Becchio out, Morison in at Leeds United (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Luciano Becchio out, Steve Morison in at Leeds United

12:50pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport

Norwich have signed striker Luciano Becchio from Leeds in a swap deal for Steve Morison, the Barclays Premier League club have announced.

Argentinian forward Becchio, who has scored 19 goals for Leeds this season, handed in a transfer request at Elland Road last week after talks over a new deal faltered.

Norwich hope the deal will be completed in time for Becchio, 29, to feature at QPR on Saturday.

A club statement read: "Becchio has agreed a three-and-a-half year deal with the Canaries, ending a five-and-a-half-year stint at the Yorkshire club, joining fellow former Leeds men Jonny Howson, Robert Snodgrass and Bradley Johnson in the City ranks."

Former Boca Juniors player Becchio feels he is ready to make the step up to the challenges of the English top flight.

He said: "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 Premier League has some brilliant players including people like (Sergio) Aguero and (Carlos) Tevez (Becchio's compatriots) and it will be a great experience for me to play against players of that quality."

Wales striker Morison, meanwhile, will look to kick-start his career with Leeds after falling down the pecking order at Norwich after his £2.8million move in the summer of 2011.

Norwich, who drew 1-1 at home with Tottenham last night, have been on the look-out for a striker all month to help them in their bid to avoid a slump in form which has seen them drop to within seven points of the relegation zone.

The Norfolk club, who have had several bids for Celtic striker Gary Hooper rejected, have only scored 25 league goals in 24 matches so far this term.