• Premier League

Torres opens talks with Chelsea as Liverpool agree fee

Harry Harris, ESPNsoccernet
January 31, 2011
Fernando Torres' Liverpool career appears to be drawing to a close © PA Photos
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Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay is waiting at the club's Cobham training ground for the arrival of Fernando Torres in order to complete a deal worth £80 million in transfer fee and wages.

Chelsea will pay around £45 million with a large chunk up front, plus a basic salary of £200,000-a-week - plus bonuses - which will almost double Torres' current £110,000-a-week deal at Liverpool, after the two clubs reached an agreement.

A five-year contract with signing-on fee would be worth £35 million - bringing the overall investment to a staggering £80 million.

A deal in principle had already been hammered out in advance of the 11pm GMT transfer deadline, but the final hurdle was Liverpool finding a replacement. In Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll the Reds appear to have found one, however, allowing Torres to make his way to London.

"Liverpool Football Club tonight confirmed they have agreed a fee with Chelsea for the sale of Fernando Torres," the club said in a statement. "The player has now been given permission to speak to the London club."

The Liverpool owners have been stunned to discover that Chelsea think their asking price of £50 million is far too much, but Roman Abramovich eventually sanctioned a bid of £45 million. There have been four failed attempts in the last week to sign the player, including an exchange deal involving Daniel Sturridge.

Liverpool, though, were not keen on the youngster and, while they would have taken back Nicolas Anelka, the Frenchman declined to return to Anfield.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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