LIVERPOOLS hopes of landing Fernando Torres have hit a setback
with Atletico Madrid refusing to budge from their £27million asking
price.
The Spain striker, 23, has emerged as a prime target for Kop boss
Rafa Benitez this summer.
However, Torres club have insisted the star player will only leave
if the buy-out clause in his contract is triggered.
The Reds are prepared to offer Luis Garcia a former Atletico
player as a makeweight in the deal but the sides are still some
distance apart in their valuation.
Benitez knows if he gives them the asking price it would blow a
huge hole in his summer transfer budget.
And Liverpool sources have suggested they will not go the full way
even though they are desperate to sign a world-class
goalscorer.
Yet Atletico are unlikely to climb down as they do not want to part
with their prized asset despite the fact Torres has indicated he
fancies a move to Anfield.
Speaking last month, president Enrique Cerezo said: We always have
the same problem.
Every year, either at the start of the season, midway through or
at the end.
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It is the same. Torres is an Atletico Madrid player and I think he
is going to remain with the team for many years. He is very well at
Atletico Madrid, the fans want him and we want him.
Neither is he for sale nor do I think he is going to leave.
If the Reds fail to land Torres it would be another blow in what
has been a frustrating summer for the Kop.
The millions of pounds promised by new owners George Gillett and
Tom Hicks have yet to be turned into big-name signings.
Liverpools interest in Charltons England striker Darren Bent has
also faded as they do not believe he is worthy of the £17m price
tag.
Benitez hopes to off-load French striker Djibril Cisse to Bolton
for around £6m.
This will free up funds to spend on West Hams Israeli midfielder
Yossi Benayoun, 27.
