Manchester City could be prepared to table a bid of £50 million to bring Liverpool’s star striker Fernando Torres to Eastlands in the January transfer window.
City are desperate to fill the boots of Carlos Tevez after it emerged recently that he wants out of the Manchester club, according to The News of the World.
Torres could be the player whom City manager Roberto Mancini brings in should his Argentine striker leave for pastures new.
An exit clause in the Spanish striker’s contract could force Liverpool to sell if a bid of £50m is tabled.
It is understood that Torres would still prefer a move to Chelsea ahead of City, and that the forward would prefer to wait for the summer, when he would have more time to consider his options.
Though Mancini will be able to out-bid any transfer rivals, with a reported £250,000-a-week package being considered, it is trophies, not financial rewards, that Torres is craving.
The prospect of playing Champions League football is looking ever more doubtful for Liverpool, who have struggled so far this season, and a move away from the Merseyside club could be necessary if the striker wants to play in Europe’s top competition.
City have been pursuing Torres for two years now, seeing a £60m bid for the star rejected 18 months ago.
City’s position in the world of football has strengthened since then and as a result he could be tempted to sign for the club.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Roman Abramovich would have to table a bid reminiscent of his early days at Chelsea should he want to bring the player to Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool’s official line is that Torres is not for sale, though given the striker’s recent form and the club’s current position in the table, a big enough bid could see a parting of the ways that is profitable for all concerned.
Both City and Chelsea could, though, face competition from Barcelona, as it is also reported that the Catalan giants, financially re-invigorated following a lucrative shirt sponsorship deal, are contemplating an £85m summer swoop for both Torres and their long-time target, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
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