The Telegraph 11:17PM GMT 27 Jan 2011
Liverpool reject £40 million bid from Chelsea for striker Fernando Torres
Liverpool have confirmed that they have rejected a £40 million bid for striker Fernando Torres.
The Spanish international has been linked with a host of clubs over the past 12 months, including Manchester City and Barcelona, but Chelsea have made the first move.
A Liverpool spokesman said last night: "Chelsea have made an offer for Fernando, which has been rejected. The player is not for sale."
Premier League champions Chelsea are believed to have had a £52 million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero and defender Diego Godin rejected earlier this week, and have now turned their attentions closer to home.
But having met stiff resistance from the Anfield hierarchy, it remans uncertain whether they will improve their offer for Torres, who has shown signs in recent weeks of returning to his best form.
a serious bid from a major rival ...this will seriously test our resolve, and the extent of our ambitions in retaining our best players