• Premier League

Torres and Mata could go as Mourinho rebuilds

Jose Mourinho's first task since being reappointed Chelsea manager will be to sell Fernando Torres and Juan Mata, according to reports in the Spanish media.

Radio Marca claims the Portuguese manager wants to make a statement of intent and has asked owner Roman Abramovich to listen to offers for the pair as he looks to raise funds for new players.

Abramovich has made it clear that Mourinho will not be allowed to spend in the way he did in his first spell at the club, with Manchester City's Edin Dzeko and Fiorentina's much-courted Stevan Jovetic both believed to be targets. But selling Mata would come as a surprise after the Spaniard played a pivotal role in a season which saw the Stamford Bridge club finish third and lift the Europa League.

Torres, meanwhile, has failed to impress since swapping Liverpool for London. Speaking from Brazil, where he has joined up with the Spain squad ahead of the Confederations Cup, Torres told of his enthusiasm to work under Mourinho.

"There had been talk about [Mourinho's return] for a while and now it is confirmed," he said. "Once [the Confederations Cup] is over we can think about starting the season well, with excitement, and knowing he is a very demanding coach.

"But first we have a very nice challenge in front of us, the Confederations Cup, which requires 100 per cent [attention]."

Torres also explained his delight at being back in the Spain fold.

"I missed out on the last two squads and you always know that it takes a lot to come here," he added. "It is not easy, there are many teammates who are playing well, but the end of the season was good for my team and for me. I am excited about being back, now just wanting to play and keep doing things well."

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