From Goal.com

Chelsea Ready To Outbid Manchester City In The Race For Liverpool Striker Fernando Torres

Chelsea will try to blow Manchester City out of the water in the race for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres this summer, planning a bid that could reach £70million to bring the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge.

Introductory talks over Torres have already occurred and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is now ready to do whatever it takes to acquire the 26-year-old star from the Reds, according to the Daily Mail.

The Blues can clinch their third Premier League title under Abramovich with a victory over Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge, and still have a FA Cup final against Portsmouth to look forward to.

However, despite the likelihood that Chelsea win the Double this season, Abramovich will be looking to add more stars in an effort to make a run at a Champions League title.

Torres came to Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2007 for £20m and recently committed to the Reds by signing a four year contract which pays him £110,000-a-week.

However, a disappointing season in which Liverpool was unable to qualify for the Champions League, and the possible departure of manager Rafael Benitez could force Torres to depart Anfield in the summer.

Manchester City will have a better chance to sign Torres if they beat out Tottenham Hotspur for the last Champions League spot, but playing for established contenders like Chelsea could be a more attractive prospect for the Spaniard.

@Wniston,

Na bado. Mancity are yet to launch an offer for the whole team that will win the world cup... but pray why would chealse be gunning for someone who will spend more time in the sick bay than on the field?

British tabloids are are just trying to remain relevant with transfer rumours.

Ps. I shunder to think what would have happened to Mariga if he'd opted for Money City

@njunge , willin2learn, ja-kom- As the season comes to a close, the media will try to remain relevant (in the face of no games being played)by magnifying all sorts of stories. But the players agents could also be trying to 'play' up their players value to get a new improved deal or to use as a bargaining point in case they indeed move.

wasnt there a rumour that Torres was been advised to quit english football if he intends to continue playing (due to the injuries sustained from the physical english game)?

Mariga's question is an intriguing one - if he went to Mancity he would not have played champions league football this year or the next - Mancity were piped to fourth spot by spurs jana. My only worry for Mariga is the remote risk that inter-fans may do a 'balotelli' on him.

Back to Torres - In the absence of champions league glory, why should he really stay at Anfield and in the process risk his long term playing career(thru injuries)? I think he will leave. Where to is the question?

@smano - Agreed Balotelli would definately have been given a chance in the Ghana team.

Doubt that Gerrard can leave. Gerrard = Liverpool.

Jose 'Mou' - is being touted as the real madrid coach next season. Not too sure he can weave his magic on the lot. But will he move?

Will it come to pass?

see: http://soccernet.espn.go...&cc=3888&c=3888\

If Torres goes to Chelsea, who's going to stop Drogba, Torres, Anelka and Lampard from easily surpassing their 100+ goals next season!