Fernando Torres has handed in a written transfer request with the desire of leaving Liverpool for Chelsea, which the Reds have turned down.
Late on Thursday night it emerged that Liverpool had turned down a bid in the region of £35m-£40m for the Spanish international from the Blues, issuing a statement that he is not for sale.
However rumour spread like wildfire throughout Friday that Torres was keen for Liverpool to continue negotiating the fee with Chelsea – and earlier tonight it was confirmed that the Reds have turned down his request.
A short statement from Liverpool Football Club reads, “Fernando Torres tonight submitted a written transfer request, which has been rejected by Liverpool.
“Fernando is under a long-term contract and the Club expects him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement.”
It is widely expected that Chelsea will now continue their pursuit of Torres, with the backing of the player, with just three days of January’s transfer window remaining.
The news comes as a massive blow to Liverpool, who had just hours before confirmed they are on the verge of their own club record transfer fee signing of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez for around £23million.
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The 24-year-old Ajax striker, who is set to complete his medical and seal his deal on Merseyside later on Saturday, was thought as the perfect striker partner for Torres.
Earlier this month Torres had spoken of his professionalism and commitment to honouring his current deal with Liverpool, which runs out in 2013.
He said, on January 9th, “My head is in Liverpool and on helping save our season. I am professional and I always fulfil my deals.
“I haven’t considered leaving, although in football that depends on the club.”
If some murmurings on Twitter are to be believed, Torres will be heading down to London to complete a move to Chelsea this weekend.
Coincidently, should he leave the Reds for Chelsea, he could make his debut against us as Liverpool take on the Blues in the Premier League on Sunday, February 6th.
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