The Saturday January 29 Transfer Gossip
Posted 29/01/11 07:29
CHELSEA TO OFFER OVER OVER £40M AND DANIEL STURRIDGE FOR TORRES
Liverpool have confirmed they've rejected a formal transfer request from Fernando Torres. And here's what the papers are gossiping/reporting this morning...
The Daily Mail: 'Torres, 26, has made up his mind it is time to leave Merseyside and is attracted to Stamford Bridge after assurances that Chelsea owner Abramovich plans to inject more money into the team. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish does not want to be the man who lets Torres leave Anfield, but despite their defiant statement, the signs are that Liverpool's board will sanction the move if Chelsea offer £45million, plus striker Daniel Sturridge. Chelsea will return with a third offer before Monday's deadline, with Sturridge included in part exchange.'
The Times: 'With his transfer request rejected, the onus is now on Torres to force a move if he is truly set on leaving. It is understood that his contract, which has 2½ years remaining, includes a buyout clause enabling him to go for £50 million. It was introduced by the previous Liverpool regime but comes into force only at the end of the season.'
The Sun: 'Friday's high drama also saw Liverpool snub a new offer of £42.5m plus hitman Daniel Sturridge. Kop sources admit a £50m cash offer may change their mind.'
The Daily Mirror: 'The striker informed boss Kenny Dalglish he wants to move and sources in Spain suggest he is considering making a statement requesting a transfer and explaining his reasons. In addition, his representatives have written to Anfield's American owners bluntly stating the reasons why he should be allowed to leave. The memo outlines how Torres feels he has been let down over promises made in the summer, when he claimed he was loyal to the club in the face of strong interest from Chelsea, because of the false vision of the future he was sold.'
The Independent: 'The Premier League champions - who will offer Daniel Sturridge as a potential makeweight in the deal - have already seen two offers for the Spaniard turned down by the Liverpool board, but they are hopeful their third attempt of around £38m will be successful, particularly as Ajax yesterday accepted Liverpool's offer of £22.8m for Luis Suarez. The Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, believes he can lure Torres to Stamford Bridge in the next three days despite Liverpool's intransigence because of Torres' desire to leave.'
The Daily Telegraph: 'Liverpool are adamant that Torres is not for sale and manager Kenny Dalglish has already told the player and the club's owners that he will not agree to any deal. Liverpool are highly unlikely to agree to a move and will hope to persuade Torres to stay at least until the summer. The request is the latest in a remarkable season of possible departures by high-profile players, with Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tévez making similar moves. The difference with Torres, however, and what makes it far more serious for Liverpool, is that he is acting in direct response to a bid from Chelsea who have been chasing him for some time.'
The Guardian: 'Chelsea's move carries an opportunistic edge. They tried to sign Torres last summer, only for Liverpool to put a prohibitive price tag on him. Chelsea were mindful that Manchester City were also after the Spaniard. Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, was not prepared to enter into an auction. That remains the case. But with City having signed Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg for £27m earlier in the month, Chelsea feel they might have a clear shot at Torres now. Hence their determination to get him during this transfer window rather than wait until the summer, when City and others might re-enter the bidding. A footnote to the intrigue is that, if Torres does sign for Chelsea, his debut could be against Liverpool, who play at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday week.'
