Manchester City are prepared to make Fernando Torres the world's
richest footballer in an attempt to land the Liverpool striker, but
he is ready to turn them down in favour of a move to Chelsea,
Soccernet understands.
One of the men at the centre of secret talks about a possible
move has disclosed that while City are ready to outbid Chelsea,
Torres is more interested in playing Champions League football next
season.
"City were ready to offer Fernando Torres a huge contract, and
by that I mean the biggest for any footballer anywhere in the
world," the source told Soccernet. "But Torres said 'no',
he was not interested."
Although no formal contract offer can be made by City as they
have not agreed any fee with Liverpool, the middlemen have been
working feverishly behind the scenes.
Torres has been made aware of the enormous salary being put in
front of his advisors to tempt him to Eastlands, with the deal
reportedly equal to the phenomenal wages Cristiano Ronaldo commands at
Real Madrid - more than £200,000-a-week plus image rights and
bonuses.
The source close to the deal confirmed that "negotiations" are
already now underway behind the scenes involving Chelsea, who have
made Torres aware of their interest, in a move that is being
privately reciprocated.
The source told Soccernet: "Yes, negotiations are going
on behind the scenes, and just how much Chelsea would offer in a
transfer fee and wages is not something I am prepared to discuss at
this point."
While managerless Liverpool are likely to hold out for £70
million for Torres, Chelsea believe a more realistic price is £50
million, so a lot of hard bargaining can be expected once Roman
Abramovich authorises the first official offer for Torres.
Another source close to the Torres 'talks' is convinced that
Chelsea may have already tabled a bid in the region of £45 million,
well short of what Liverpool might expect, but that no response has
so far been forthcoming, with Liverpool dispensing with one manager
and recruiting another who might have strong views about whether
Torres should be allowed to go, if he wishes to leave.