Chelsea has reportedly been readying a bid £40 million, including Daniel Sturridge, for Fernando Torres.
While that number would be a Premier League record, it would still be £10 million short of the amount necessary for Liverpool to consider letting the 26-year-old Spaniard leave Anfield.
According to ESPN, Torres has a £50 million buyout clause that could be triggered at season’s end, but a deal in January for that sum may be possible — but unlikely.
“I don’t see it happening, I do not believe Roman Abramovich will authorise £50 million for Torres, or indeed, for any player,” said a source close to the situation.
“The player has a get-out clause of £50 million, and it might be that the club would consider selling in January, but only if £50 million was offered.”
“However, they have a player who has asked for a transfer and they are in a difficult position, knowing that Torres could well go in the summer in any case, but again it might have to be for the full amount of £50 million.”
According to a Goal.com report, Liverpool would require Nicolas Anelka to be a part of the return package instead of Sturridge. This deal could be possible and the sides are negotiating.
Anelka spent a stint at Anfield on loan from 2001-02, but the 31-year-old’s productivity has declined in recent years.
Chelsea star Frank Lampard, unsurprisingly, said that he would welcome Torres at Stamford Bridge.
“Players of a top, top level and world class players will always help your squad,” Lampard said. “It remains to be seen what happens with the club, who they bring in and who the manager wants to bring in, but he will always be very welcome from us.”
