Chelsea told to pay City 3.5 million for Sturridge

Premier League leaders Chelsea must pay Manchester City 3.5million pounds for teenage striker Daniel Sturridge, with the final bill possibly hitting seven million depending on appearances.

A Professional Football Compensation Committee hearing on Thursday ruled an initial payment of 3.5 million pounds was due, with additional payments of 500,000 after each of 10, 20, 30 and 40 first-team appearances.

A further payment of one million pounds will be due if Sturridge makes a full international appearance.

Sturridge, 19, joined Chelsea in July on a four-year deal after his contract expired at City, but the two clubs could not agree a fee which was determined by the tribunal.

Since joining Chelsea, the England Under-20 international has made eight appearances, finding the net for the first time with two goals in the 5-0 FA Cup third-round defeat of Watford.