Patrick Bamford joins Norwich City on loan

Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford has joined Norwich City on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan at fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace, but brought his time at Selhurst Park to a close last month due to a lack of first-team opportunities.

It is understood that Bamford has had offers from the Championship, where he scored 17 goals for Middlesbrough last season, but Norwich have brought the Englishman to Carrow Road.

"I'm really happy to be here, and the sooner I'm able to get involved the better. That's what I want to do personally, but it's also about helping Norwich to get the points required to stay in the league," Bamford told the club's official website.

Canaries boss Alex Neil added: "Patrick is a player who excelled last season and we are pleased to have the opportunity to bring him in. He's a young forward determined to make his way in the game, and adds competition for us at the top end of the pitch."

Bamford made six Premier League appearances for Palace earlier this season.