BLACKBURN Rovers striker Craig Bellamy will complete his move to Liverpool today after meeting Rafa Benitez for talks.

The Welsh international, who was given permission to speak to the Reds after they triggered a £6.5 million release clause in his contract earlier this week, cut short his holiday in Greece to meet with Benitez yesterday.

The 26-year-old passed a stringent medical at Mellwood and agreed terms on a four-year deal, believed to be worth around £45,000 a week - almost £20,000 LESS than the figure Rovers were prepared to offer him.

Bellamy had to convince Benitez that he had the necessary passion to play for Liverpool', but that was never going to be a stumbling block as the fiery frontman grew up supporting the Reds.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes has been left stunned by Bellamy's departure, but he will now step up his efforts to boost a strikeforce that has been decimated by the Welshman's sudden exit, less than a year into a four year contract.

Armed with a transfer kitty of £10 million, Hughes will try to bring in at least two new faces up front and possibly even three with the Egyptian striker Mido remaining a name high on the Rovers boss' wish list.