Reds reject Torres's exit request

Liverpool have rejected a transfer request from Fernando Torres after the striker was the subject of a failed £35million bid from Chelsea.

Premier League champions Chelsea saw a £35million offer for the Spain international turned down by Liverpool, who insisted Torres was not for sale.

Sky Sports News later revealed that Torres was 'open' to the possibility of joining Chelsea and was keen for his current club to consider selling him.

The former Atletico Madrid starlet has now asked to be allowed to move to Stamford Bridge, only for his request to be turned down by Liverpool.

The Reds have reiterated their stance that they do not want to lose Torres and have urged the 26-year-old to honour his contract at Anfield.

A club statement read: "Fernando Torres tonight submitted a written transfer request which was rejected by Liverpool.

"Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool and its supporters when he signed the agreement."

Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico in 2007 and he has scored 65 goals in 102 Premier League appearances for the club.

He has struggled for form and fitness this season after picking up an injury during the World Cup with Spain and his attitude has been questioned on occasion.

However, Torres appeared to be showing signs of his previous prowess in recent weeks after Kop legend Kenny Dalglish replaced Roy Hodgson as manager.

Dalglish now has the task of trying to convince Torres that his long-term future lies on Merseyside following Chelsea's bid just days before the close of the transfer window.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti refused to discuss Torres at his press conference on Friday and it remains to be seen if his club will make another bid before Monday's deadline.

Torres' desire to leave the Reds dampens the enthusiasm generated by the announcement earlier in the day that a £22million-plus fee had been agreed with Ajax for Uruguay international striker Luis Suarez.

Source: Teamtalk

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