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FOOTBALL NEWS
28/01/2011 14:30, Report by Gemma Thompson
Page 1 of 2 Next
Edwin will be missed
Sir Alex Ferguson says Edwin van der Sar will be sorely missed at Old Trafford both on and off the pitch when he hangs up his gloves in May.
The Dutchman will bring his illustrious career to a close at the end of the season after confirming his retirement in an interview with MUTV on Thursday.
Sir Alex has nothing but praise for the way the 40-year-old has conducted himself during his six-year career at Old Trafford and the boss says he will go down as one of the true greats in the club's history.
"The impact he's made as a professional is the one thing I'll always remember about him," declared Sir Alex.
"It's not just his ability on the football field, it's his training performances, his personality in the dressing room and the great example he sets to the young players. He's had a fantastic career and is a really special man.
"There comes a time for everyone [when you have to finish]. It's one of the sad parts of my job when you eventually see players get to the stage when age takes over."
Ever since the Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford following his switch from Fulham, comparisons have been made with United's other top stopper, Peter Schmeichel. The debate over who is the best will continue, with even Sir Alex struggling to separate them.
"There will always be comparisons between Peter and Edwin - in my time they've been the two outstanding goalkeepers, not just here but in football," added the Scot.
Page 1 of 2 Next
Edwin will be missed
Sir Alex Ferguson says Edwin van der Sar will be sorely missed at Old Trafford both on and off the pitch when he hangs up his gloves in May.
The Dutchman will bring his illustrious career to a close at the end of the season after confirming his retirement in an interview with MUTV on Thursday.
Sir Alex has nothing but praise for the way the 40-year-old has conducted himself during his six-year career at Old Trafford and the boss says he will go down as one of the true greats in the club's history.
"The impact he's made as a professional is the one thing I'll always remember about him," declared Sir Alex.
"It's not just his ability on the football field, it's his training performances, his personality in the dressing room and the great example he sets to the young players. He's had a fantastic career and is a really special man.
"There comes a time for everyone [when you have to finish]. It's one of the sad parts of my job when you eventually see players get to the stage when age takes over."
Ever since the Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford following his switch from Fulham, comparisons have been made with United's other top stopper, Peter Schmeichel. The debate over who is the best will continue, with even Sir Alex struggling to separate them.
"There will always be comparisons between Peter and Edwin - in my time they've been the two outstanding goalkeepers, not just here but in football," added the Scot.
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FOOTBALL NEWS
28/01/2011 10:30, Report by Gemma Thompson
Strong squad for Cup trip
Sir Alex says he will be taking a strong squad to St Mary's for the FA Cup fourth round tie against Southampton despite being without a handful of first team regulars.
Edwin van der Sar has been given the weekend off, while Patrice Evra (family bereavement) and Rafael (concussion) will not be travelling. Michael Carrick, who has been struggling with an ankle injury, is expected to be available providing he comes through training on Friday.
"Michael will train today and hopefully he will be okay to travel," the boss told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
"We picked up one or two bruises at Blackpool the other night - it was quite a physical game, but we'll still take a strong squad because it won't be an easy match; away games in cup ties never are.
"I went to see Southampton play Oldham earlier this month and they won 6-0. They're having a good season. They play good football and I'm sure they'll have a go."
Sir Alex has a decision to make on who takes over in goal for the Reds with new signing Anders Lindegaard and Tomasz Kuszczak both vying for a starting spot.
"It's a possibility [a debut for Anders]," confirmed the manager. "He and Tomasz will both travel."
Strong squad for Cup trip
Sir Alex says he will be taking a strong squad to St Mary's for the FA Cup fourth round tie against Southampton despite being without a handful of first team regulars.
Edwin van der Sar has been given the weekend off, while Patrice Evra (family bereavement) and Rafael (concussion) will not be travelling. Michael Carrick, who has been struggling with an ankle injury, is expected to be available providing he comes through training on Friday.
"Michael will train today and hopefully he will be okay to travel," the boss told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
"We picked up one or two bruises at Blackpool the other night - it was quite a physical game, but we'll still take a strong squad because it won't be an easy match; away games in cup ties never are.
"I went to see Southampton play Oldham earlier this month and they won 6-0. They're having a good season. They play good football and I'm sure they'll have a go."
Sir Alex has a decision to make on who takes over in goal for the Reds with new signing Anders Lindegaard and Tomasz Kuszczak both vying for a starting spot.
"It's a possibility [a debut for Anders]," confirmed the manager. "He and Tomasz will both travel."
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FOOTBALL NEWS
26/01/2011 16:40, Report by Gemma Thompson
Fletch: Boss inspired us
Darren Fletcher says some words of wisdom from Sir Alex Ferguson at half-time played a big part in United's stunning comeback at Bloomfield Road.
Two first-half headers from Craig Cathcart and DJ Campbell had given the home side a shock 2-0 advantage as the below-par Reds struggled to get going. The United players were out early for the restart following their half-time team-talk which Fletcher says gave them the belief to turn things around.
"He really inspires us and gets us going and he made us believe that we could still do it," the midfielder told MUTV. "He said it was important we got that first goal as early as we could so we'd have time to get a second and hopefully a third.
"As a team we were desperate to get out there and put things right. We were really disappointed to go in 2-0 down having lost two goals from set pieces. We had to regroup and respond and we did that and it was a fantastic second half performance."
Tuesday night's visit to Bloomfield Road was one of United's games in hand in the title race, having initially been postponed because of a frozen pitch at the start of December. The 3-2 victory took the Reds five points clear at the top of the table with Fletcher insisting it's pleasing to have positive results in the bag rather than fixtures to look forward to.
Fletch: Boss inspired us
Darren Fletcher says some words of wisdom from Sir Alex Ferguson at half-time played a big part in United's stunning comeback at Bloomfield Road.
Two first-half headers from Craig Cathcart and DJ Campbell had given the home side a shock 2-0 advantage as the below-par Reds struggled to get going. The United players were out early for the restart following their half-time team-talk which Fletcher says gave them the belief to turn things around.
"He really inspires us and gets us going and he made us believe that we could still do it," the midfielder told MUTV. "He said it was important we got that first goal as early as we could so we'd have time to get a second and hopefully a third.
"As a team we were desperate to get out there and put things right. We were really disappointed to go in 2-0 down having lost two goals from set pieces. We had to regroup and respond and we did that and it was a fantastic second half performance."
Tuesday night's visit to Bloomfield Road was one of United's games in hand in the title race, having initially been postponed because of a frozen pitch at the start of December. The 3-2 victory took the Reds five points clear at the top of the table with Fletcher insisting it's pleasing to have positive results in the bag rather than fixtures to look forward to.
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Papers: Sky eye Neville?
27/01/2011 11:00
Charles Sale writes in the Daily Mail…
Neville lined up to become Sky Sports pundit when dust settles on Linogate
Gary Neville has been lined up by Sky Sports to be the big-name pundit to fill the void created by the sacking of Andy Gray. Manchester United's former England defender Neville, who is due to retire from a glittering playing career at the end of this season, was already on the television network's radar before the ‘Linogate' scandal erupted this week. It is understood that the 35-year-old will not be a like-for-like replacement for Gray. Neville is viewed by Sky as another front-line pundit to work alongside or alternate with Jamie Redknapp, both having the experience of a modern football dressing room.
Several of Thursday's papers run quotes from an MUTV interview with Paul Scholes on Monday regarding his "undecided future", in which the midfielder stated his desire to regain his fitness before thinking about next season. The Mirror quotes: "I don't know what I'm doing next year, I just want to concentrate on getting back playing for now."
Elsewhere, Richard Tanner of the Daily Express ponders whether the time is right for Sir Alex Ferguson to hand Javier ‘Chicharito' Hernandez a starting place following his impressive performance as substitute against Blackpool. The Mexican striker has scored 10 goals since his arrival at Old Trafford in the summer.
27/01/2011 11:00
Neville lined up to become Sky Sports pundit when dust settles on Linogate
Gary Neville has been lined up by Sky Sports to be the big-name pundit to fill the void created by the sacking of Andy Gray. Manchester United's former England defender Neville, who is due to retire from a glittering playing career at the end of this season, was already on the television network's radar before the ‘Linogate' scandal erupted this week. It is understood that the 35-year-old will not be a like-for-like replacement for Gray. Neville is viewed by Sky as another front-line pundit to work alongside or alternate with Jamie Redknapp, both having the experience of a modern football dressing room.
Several of Thursday's papers run quotes from an MUTV interview with Paul Scholes on Monday regarding his "undecided future", in which the midfielder stated his desire to regain his fitness before thinking about next season. The Mirror quotes: "I don't know what I'm doing next year, I just want to concentrate on getting back playing for now."
Elsewhere, Richard Tanner of the Daily Express ponders whether the time is right for Sir Alex Ferguson to hand Javier ‘Chicharito' Hernandez a starting place following his impressive performance as substitute against Blackpool. The Mexican striker has scored 10 goals since his arrival at Old Trafford in the summer.
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Papers: Alex wants Alex?
25/01/2011 08:37
Rob Beasley of The Sun writes…
Fergie hijacks Alex bid
Alex Ferguson has made a late bid to hijack Alex Chamberlain's £10million move to Arsenal. A United insider said: "The boss has made his move and now it's down to the lad and his family to decide - but United are a massive club to turn down." The Southampton midfielder, 17, is currently the hottest property in English football. He looked set to sign for the Gunners this week and follow in the footsteps of Theo Walcott. Chamberlain's dad, Mark, who won eight England caps in the 1980s, said: "Alex is technically better than Walcott and can play in a more central role. He is not the most robust but he has been working on strengthening since he was 10."
Rob Beasley, The Sun
Elsewhere, many papers carry pieces looking ahead to the Blackpool game, including the Daily Star, who quote Ryan Giggs from a story published on ManUtd.com yesterday. The Daily Mail also carry a Blackpool preview, although some wires appear to have been crossed somewhere. The paper claims the last time the two sides met in the league was in 1971 and then speak to Jimmy Armfield and Sir Bobby Charlton about their recollections of the game. The stories both men tell are very interesting, but United and Blackpool have actually met twice in the league since then: when both teams were in the old Division 2 in 1974/75.
More: Match Pack | Betting: Blackpool | Giggs eyes fresh challenge
Round Up By Nick Copack
25/01/2011 08:37
Fergie hijacks Alex bid
Alex Ferguson has made a late bid to hijack Alex Chamberlain's £10million move to Arsenal. A United insider said: "The boss has made his move and now it's down to the lad and his family to decide - but United are a massive club to turn down." The Southampton midfielder, 17, is currently the hottest property in English football. He looked set to sign for the Gunners this week and follow in the footsteps of Theo Walcott. Chamberlain's dad, Mark, who won eight England caps in the 1980s, said: "Alex is technically better than Walcott and can play in a more central role. He is not the most robust but he has been working on strengthening since he was 10."
Rob Beasley, The Sun
Elsewhere, many papers carry pieces looking ahead to the Blackpool game, including the Daily Star, who quote Ryan Giggs from a story published on ManUtd.com yesterday. The Daily Mail also carry a Blackpool preview, although some wires appear to have been crossed somewhere. The paper claims the last time the two sides met in the league was in 1971 and then speak to Jimmy Armfield and Sir Bobby Charlton about their recollections of the game. The stories both men tell are very interesting, but United and Blackpool have actually met twice in the league since then: when both teams were in the old Division 2 in 1974/75.
More: Match Pack | Betting: Blackpool | Giggs eyes fresh challenge
Round Up By Nick Copack
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Papers: Reds' rave reviews
26/01/2011 12:00
Matt Hughes ofThe Timeswrites: "If Manchester United go on to win a record nineteenth league championship this season, Sir Alex Ferguson might look back at the 15 second-half minutes that transformed this incredible game as the time when history was made."
David Facey ofThe Sunwrites: "United broke Blackpool hearts with a stunning fightback - just when the Seasiders looked like pulling off one of the great Premier League shocks. But if their invincible run this season has shown anything, it is you write off Alex Ferguson's team at your peril."
Oliver Holt of The Mirror writes: "It is bleak in Blackpool this time of year. The tram tracks are being dug up, the promenade is deserted, the shutters are down on the snack bars and a bitter wind blows in off the Irish Sea. But last night the resort burst into glorious life again. Inspired by their ageless wonder (Ryan Giggs), United conjured yet another stirring comeback from 2-0 down to take all three points and a victory that tightened their grip on the title."
In transfer speculation, Athletico Madrid keeper David de Gea has played down talk of a summer move to Old Trafford. When quizzed, the Spaniard was quick to play the matter down. The Sun quotes: "Yes, it is nice, but I am very happy here. It would be very difficult to leave Atletico."
More: Blackpool 2 United 3 | Chicha: We always believe | Spirit won
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Papers: Reds have the power
20/01/2011 09:30
Gill: We're still the biggest
David Gill has warned the Premier League that Manchester United are still the big guns of English football. That's despite losing out to Chelsea in the title race last season and watching rivals Manchester City emerge as a genuine force this time round. City's billionaires are one of the richest clubs in the world and will spend whatever it takes to become a superpower in Europe. Boss Roberto Mancini has splashed more than £200m on new signings since taking charge, with £27m striker Edin Dzeko the latest addition. United have debts of more than £700m, but chief executive Gill insists United can still compete with their rivals for the biggest stars. Gill said: "We can compete for top players. People say we don't, but we have bought well. Our goal at United is to develop our own players and also buy good players. If we wanted to, we could [compete for a big signing]. Over time, you will know we have rarely bought a world star. We have made them world stars by playing for United, and that will continue."
Jeremy Cross, Daily Star
David Gill is also quoted in today's papers on the subject of Sir Alex Ferguson's eventual successor - not that he's giving anything away. "Sir Alex is on a rolling contract. He is on the record as saying he will continue to manage as long as he keeps fit, so, while we follow what is happening in football, I am not going to sit here and say who we have in mind." Gill was speaking at a Manchester United Soccer Schools launch in Abu Dhabi.
In other news, the Daily Mail features a claim from Manchester City winger Adam Johnson that the Blues will be ready to pounce if United slip up. Elsewhere, the Daily Telegraph suggests the Reds will sign Benfica defender Fabio Coentrao or Everton's Leighton
20/01/2011 09:30
David Gill has warned the Premier League that Manchester United are still the big guns of English football. That's despite losing out to Chelsea in the title race last season and watching rivals Manchester City emerge as a genuine force this time round. City's billionaires are one of the richest clubs in the world and will spend whatever it takes to become a superpower in Europe. Boss Roberto Mancini has splashed more than £200m on new signings since taking charge, with £27m striker Edin Dzeko the latest addition. United have debts of more than £700m, but chief executive Gill insists United can still compete with their rivals for the biggest stars. Gill said: "We can compete for top players. People say we don't, but we have bought well. Our goal at United is to develop our own players and also buy good players. If we wanted to, we could [compete for a big signing]. Over time, you will know we have rarely bought a world star. We have made them world stars by playing for United, and that will continue."
Jeremy Cross, Daily Star
David Gill is also quoted in today's papers on the subject of Sir Alex Ferguson's eventual successor - not that he's giving anything away. "Sir Alex is on a rolling contract. He is on the record as saying he will continue to manage as long as he keeps fit, so, while we follow what is happening in football, I am not going to sit here and say who we have in mind." Gill was speaking at a Manchester United Soccer Schools launch in Abu Dhabi.
In other news, the Daily Mail features a claim from Manchester City winger Adam Johnson that the Blues will be ready to pounce if United slip up. Elsewhere, the Daily Telegraph suggests the Reds will sign Benfica defender Fabio Coentrao or Everton's Leighton
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Papers: Anders vows to wow
21/01/2011 09:56
I will prove my hero wrong
Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was written off by Peter Schmeichel before he even arrived at Manchester United. But Lindegaard insists that he will demonstrate all the single-mindedness that was associated with his famous Danish compatriot to establish himself at Old Trafford. When United legend Schmeichel was asked whether he was good enough for his old club, he said: "No, we are talking about Manchester United here." Edwin Van der Sar remains first choice and Ferguson has been careful not to put too much pressure on Lindegaard, who insists he has not moved to United to sit on the bench. Lindegaard said: "I am not here just to be here. I am here because I want to be the best. This is the place where you can be the best and be respected as such. I am not thinking about Edwin's situation. I only focus on things I can do something about and that is me."
Graham Chase, Daily Express
Elsewhere, The Guardian claim Owen Hargreaves is "facing the prospect of being left out" of United's Champions League squad for the knockout stages. Danny Taylor writes: "The 25-man squad has to be submitted to Uefa by 1 February and if the luckless Hargreaves is omitted it will only increase the sense that a player who turned 30 [on Thursday] is unlikely to be offered a new contract to replace his present deal, which expires in June."
The Times names Nemanja Vidic as one of six players who has set the Barclays Premier League alight this season, while The Sun report Rio Ferdinand's belief that United have the best squad in England. "I look around the changing room and I'm happy with the players we've got. I'm sure the manager is too."
21/01/2011 09:56
Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was written off by Peter Schmeichel before he even arrived at Manchester United. But Lindegaard insists that he will demonstrate all the single-mindedness that was associated with his famous Danish compatriot to establish himself at Old Trafford. When United legend Schmeichel was asked whether he was good enough for his old club, he said: "No, we are talking about Manchester United here." Edwin Van der Sar remains first choice and Ferguson has been careful not to put too much pressure on Lindegaard, who insists he has not moved to United to sit on the bench. Lindegaard said: "I am not here just to be here. I am here because I want to be the best. This is the place where you can be the best and be respected as such. I am not thinking about Edwin's situation. I only focus on things I can do something about and that is me."
Graham Chase, Daily Express
Elsewhere, The Guardian claim Owen Hargreaves is "facing the prospect of being left out" of United's Champions League squad for the knockout stages. Danny Taylor writes: "The 25-man squad has to be submitted to Uefa by 1 February and if the luckless Hargreaves is omitted it will only increase the sense that a player who turned 30 [on Thursday] is unlikely to be offered a new contract to replace his present deal, which expires in June."
The Times names Nemanja Vidic as one of six players who has set the Barclays Premier League alight this season, while The Sun report Rio Ferdinand's belief that United have the best squad in England. "I look around the changing room and I'm happy with the players we've got. I'm sure the manager is too."
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Fernando Torres demands to leave Liverpool despite Luis Suárez arrival
• Liverpool reject striker's transfer request
• Chelsea prepare fresh bid of £40m for Spaniard
• Liverpool reject striker's transfer request
• Chelsea prepare fresh bid of £40m for Spaniard
- David Hytner, Andy Hunter and Sid Lowe in Madrid
- guardian.co.uk, Friday 28 January 2011 22.30 GMT <li class="history">Article history Fernando Torres has urged Liverpool to agree a deal with Chelsea that will benefit both himself and the Anfield club. Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images Chelsea will return with an improved £40m offer for Fernando Torres with the Premier League champions hopeful of closing the deal before Monday's deadline after the striker last night confirmed his desire to quit Liverpool by submitting a transfer request.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, is prepared to add the young striker Daniel Sturridge as a makeweight in the new bid, which will follow the £35m that was rejected by Liverpool yesterday. Chelsea intend to push hard for what would be a stunning coup and have been encouraged both by Torres's actions – although Liverpool have rejected his transfer request – and by his employers agreeing a £22.8m deal with Ajax for Luis Suárez this afternoon.
The Suárez fee, which will place him second to Torres as the most expensive signing in Liverpool's history, represents a £10m increase on the offer that Ajax rejected earlier this week.
Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's owners, hope the signing of the Uruguay international, who has still to complete a medical and agree personal terms, will convince Torres of their ambitions and they remain adamant that their leading goalscorer is not for sale. Liverpool said in a statement last night: "Fernando Torres tonight submitted a written transfer request, which has been rejected by Liverpool. Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement."
However, the 26-year-old has reached the point where he believes a departure from Anfield is the right move for his career and does not want to miss a second opportunity to join Chelsea. He has urged FSG to broker an agreement that is good for both himself and the club.
Chelsea's move carries an opportunistic edge. They tried to sign Torres last summer, only for Liverpool to put a prohibitive price tag on him. Chelsea were mindful that Manchester City were also after the Spaniard. Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, was not prepared to enter into an auction. That remains the case.
But with City having signed Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg for £27m earlier in the month, Chelsea feel they might have a clear shot at Torres now. Hence their determination to get him during this transfer window rather than wait until the summer, when City and others might re-enter the bidding. A footnote to the intrigue is that, if Torres does sign for Chelsea, his debut could be against Liverpool, who play at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday week.
"Every time, when there is a possibility to find a better player for this club, we will try," Ancelotti said. "I don't need to explain when we move. When we try to do something, we speak together and make the decision. I knew about the bid. I'm not surprised because I know what the club is doing. The club is doing a fantastic job in this transfer market. It is trying to do everything to improve the squad."
Another factor in Chelsea's late move for the Spain international is the £50m release clause he was granted by Liverpool last summer. Sources close to Torres have denied such a clause exists and, in this transfer window, that is correct. It is understood the clause comes into effect this summer, providing Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Kenny Dalglish's side are currently nine points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, having played one game more, and any suitor would have to pay £50m to release Torres from a £110,000-a-week contract that runs until 2013 should they remain outside the top four.
Torres sought assurances last summer, when he knew Chelsea and City were circling, that he could leave in the event of another disappointing season. Those discussions were held with the then managing director, Christian Purslow, who has now left the club, and ultimately led to the striker's pledging his loyalty to Liverpool.
Torres, the former Atlético Madrid captain, also wanted assurances over the future of the club and what funds were available for rebuilding the squad when Liverpool were bought by the new owners. His camp believes that promises have been broken.
Liverpool are not the club that Torres joined in 2007. The striker is pessimistic over the future and his patience has worn thin. Roy Hodgson's departure and the appointment of Dalglish as manager, though steps in the right direction, are evidently not enough to ease Torres's misgivings.
Despite the recognition that Liverpool could block the move Torres believes an immediate departure is the best solution. If he were to join Chelsea, he would be eligible to play in the Champions League. He is hopeful of Liverpool recognising that his departure could be good for all concerned. Liverpool signed him for £23m; with a little bartering they could make more than £20m profit by selling now.
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Fernando Torres demands to leave Liverpool despite Luis Suárez arrival
Liverpool reject striker's transfer request
Chelsea prepare fresh bid of £40m for Spaniard
Liverpool reject striker's transfer request
Chelsea prepare fresh bid of £40m for Spaniard
- David Hytner, Andy Hunter and Sid Lowe in Madrid
- guardian.co.uk, Friday 28 January 2011 22.30 GMT <li class="history">Article history Fernando Torres has urged Liverpool to agree a deal with Chelsea that will benefit both himself and the Anfield club. Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images Chelsea will return with an improved £40m offer for Fernando Torres with the Premier League champions hopeful of closing the deal before Monday's deadline after the striker last night confirmed his desire to quit Liverpool by submitting a transfer request.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, is prepared to add the young striker Daniel Sturridge as a makeweight in the new bid, which will follow the £35m that was rejected by Liverpool yesterday. Chelsea intend to push hard for what would be a stunning coup and have been encouraged both by Torres's actions although Liverpool have rejected his transfer request and by his employers agreeing a £22.8m deal with Ajax for Luis Suárez this afternoon.
The Suárez fee, which will place him second to Torres as the most expensive signing in Liverpool's history, represents a £10m increase on the offer that Ajax rejected earlier this week.
Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's owners, hope the signing of the Uruguay international, who has still to complete a medical and agree personal terms, will convince Torres of their ambitions and they remain adamant that their leading goalscorer is not for sale. Liverpool said in a statement last night: "Fernando Torres tonight submitted a written transfer request, which has been rejected by Liverpool. Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement."
However, the 26-year-old has reached the point where he believes a departure from Anfield is the right move for his career and does not want to miss a second opportunity to join Chelsea. He has urged FSG to broker an agreement that is good for both himself and the club.
Chelsea's move carries an opportunistic edge. They tried to sign Torres last summer, only for Liverpool to put a prohibitive price tag on him. Chelsea were mindful that Manchester City were also after the Spaniard. Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, was not prepared to enter into an auction. That remains the case.
But with City having signed Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg for £27m earlier in the month, Chelsea feel they might have a clear shot at Torres now. Hence their determination to get him during this transfer window rather than wait until the summer, when City and others might re-enter the bidding. A footnote to the intrigue is that, if Torres does sign for Chelsea, his debut could be against Liverpool, who play at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday week.
"Every time, when there is a possibility to find a better player for this club, we will try," Ancelotti said. "I don't need to explain when we move. When we try to do something, we speak together and make the decision. I knew about the bid. I'm not surprised because I know what the club is doing. The club is doing a fantastic job in this transfer market. It is trying to do everything to improve the squad."
Another factor in Chelsea's late move for the Spain international is the £50m release clause he was granted by Liverpool last summer. Sources close to Torres have denied such a clause exists and, in this transfer window, that is correct. It is understood the clause comes into effect this summer, providing Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Kenny Dalglish's side are currently nine points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, having played one game more, and any suitor would have to pay £50m to release Torres from a £110,000-a-week contract that runs until 2013 should they remain outside the top four.
Torres sought assurances last summer, when he knew Chelsea and City were circling, that he could leave in the event of another disappointing season. Those discussions were held with the then managing director, Christian Purslow, who has now left the club, and ultimately led to the striker's pledging his loyalty to Liverpool.
Torres, the former Atlético Madrid captain, also wanted assurances over the future of the club and what funds were available for rebuilding the squad when Liverpool were bought by the new owners. His camp believes that promises have been broken.
Liverpool are not the club that Torres joined in 2007. The striker is pessimistic over the future and his patience has worn thin. Roy Hodgson's departure and the appointment of Dalglish as manager, though steps in the right direction, are evidently not enough to ease Torres's misgivings.
Despite the recognition that Liverpool could block the move Torres believes an immediate departure is the best solution. If he were to join Chelsea, he would be eligible to play in the Champions League. He is hopeful of Liverpool recognising that his departure could be good for all concerned. Liverpool signed him for £23m; with a little bartering they could make more than £20m profit by selling now.
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