EPL transfer deadline finishes with a bang

The EPL transfer deadline is always an exciting day as teams wheel and deal trying to bolster their squad while others scramble to try and protect a valued asset.  The day belonged to Chelsea and Liverpool as the tension mounted as the deadline approached.  Would Chelsea be able to pry Fernando Torres away from Liverpool? 

In the end they would, but it would take a monster transfer fee of almost $80 million dollars.  Torres doubles his salary in a day and heads to Stamford Bridge to join strike partner Didier Drogba and the talented Blues.  Can the two coexist?

"I am very happy with my transfer to Chelsea and I am looking forward very much to helping my new teammates this season and for many years to come," Fernando Torres said. "Having played against Chelsea many times since coming to England, and in some very big games I will never forget, I know there are many great players here and I will work hard to win a place in the team. I hope I can score some important goals for the supporters to enjoy this season."

Liverpool replaced Torres by breaking the club's record transfer fee twice in the space of a few hours to sign Luis Suarez from Ajax and Andy Carroll from Newcastle.  The pair of young strikers cost a combined total of $93 million.

Blackpool were able to hang onto their man though as they fended off several clubs to hold onto star midfielder Charlie Adam.  Liverpool had been after Adam for days, but could never put together an offer that satisfied Blackpool management.  Looks like he will be in a tangerine uniform at least until this summer when it is doubtful Blackpool will be able to keep him away from the many suitors.

In a move that didn't generate much buzz in England, American central midfielder Michael Bradley moved from his German club to Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the season.  Bradley is a perfect fit for the fast, rugged style of the EPL.  With a motor that never stops look for Michael Bradley to make an immediate impact in the side and become a fan favorite overnight much like Clint Dempsey did at Fulham.

The 23 yr old said: "I am a midfielder who likes to give everything he has for the team. I can attack and defend and impose myself in the centre of the field. I will do whatever it takes to help the team be successful."