Chelsea last night tested Liverpool’s determination to keep Fernando Torres with an opening bid of £35million. Owner Roman Abramovich has sanctioned the move to add the Spanish superstar to the Blues’ stable of forwards.
Liverpool have already told Barcelona and Chelsea any pursuit of Torres is futile, but the Londoners are gearing up to make the Anfield club an offer they can’t refuse. New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson remains confident he can persuade the Spain international to stay on Merseyside for at least another year as the club moves closer to finding new owners. Read more: at Mirror Football
WORLD Cup flops Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are odds-on to quit Liverpool before the start of the new campaign, according to Ladbrokes. El Nino is 4/6 to leave Anfield, whilst Steven Gerrard is a 4/7 chance to pack his bags.
Spain and the Netherlands are joint 15/8 favourites to win the World Cup. – David Villa is 4/11 to emerge as the finals’ top scorer.
Uruguay are 11/1 to again progress via penalties ahead of their game with the Netherlands.
LATEST BETTING
To be at Liverpool for first day of the season
Gerrard
Yes 5/4
No 4/7
Torres
Yes 11/10
No 4/6
