Reds in Torres talks - BBC Sport

[Colm]

from bbc.co.uk
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42423000/jpg/_42423654_torres203.jpg
Liverpool's hopes of landing top target Fernando Torres hang in the balance as talks continue with Atletico Madrid over the £27m-rated striker.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo says Liverpool have not tabled a bid for the 23-year-old Spain striker.

But BBC Sport understands discussions between the clubs are ongoing and have now reached a crucial stage.

Atletico are reluctant to sell, but Torres is believed to be keen to link up with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.

Liverpool are reluctant to pay the £27m release clause in Torres' contract, and Benitez does not want to part with midfield man Luis Garcia, who is reported to be interesting Atletico.

Benitez wants to land Torres to provide a spearhead for an assault on the title - and also allow new owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks to demonstrate their own financial commitment to his plans.

Torres has been consistently linked with a move to England, particularly with Arsenal and Chelsea, but Liverpool are now at the head of the queue.

If he signs, he will join fellow countrymen Garcia, Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso, as well as boss Benitez.

Atletico had earlier played down Liverpool's interest, with president Cerezo saying: "We've had no offer from Liverpool for Torres. He's on his holiday and resting.

"I repeat that there has been nothing about Torres from any team. We're now working to create a good team for the coming year."

Torres, 23, scored 14 league goals in 36 starts this season as Atletico finished seventh in La Liga.

The Spanish international's Atletico contract runs until 2009.

Torres came up though the youth ranks at Atletico and has been their leading scorer in each of the last five seasons.

[Malzheimer]

18million plus Cisse/Garcia would be good business IMO, even though a lot of people would be sad to see Luis go. 27million and we are being ripped off. If he can reproduce his world cup form I will be a very happy camper! He's consistent anyway top scorer for Athletico for 5 seasons running.

[Fowler's God]

If we can't afford the quoted release clause we should try and get cisse off the books. A lof of fans on the BBC 606 message board are saying to keep him which in my opinion would be the worst thing to do.

The man has the ability but no brain and after coming back from 2 broken legs has goo mentality but not too play for the Reds anymore

[Ligger]

I read somewhere that the Buy out is up for debate as Athletico did not qualify for europe this year it is 16m rather than 27m. Cisse plus 10m would be good business.

[Fowler's God]

I read somewhere that the Buy out is up for debate as Athletico did not qualify for europe this year it is 16m rather than 27m. Cisse plus 10m would be good business.

Atletico's valuation of cisse is a lower than Liverpool's more likely Marseille will pay what his valuation is at 8 million. Like if we sold Cisse and Bellamy(for his quoted price) we could have Torres for 20 mill plus possibly but who knows

[bmac]

There was a lot of talk that it may be due to the player having a 10% bonus in the his agreement should any contract go through and that Athletico want us to pay that.... could be rubbish I guess

Reckon there is a good chance now although i think it will be straight money rather than any kind of swap. The amount of swap deals that are talked about is ludicrous as nearly all deals are money only...

[Fowler's God]

There was a lot of talk that it may be due to the player having a 10% bonus in the his agreement should any contract go through and that Athletico want us to pay that.... could be rubbish I guess

Reckon there is a good chance now although i think it will be straight money rather than any kind of swap. The amount of swap deals that are talked about is ludicrous as nearly all deals are money only...

Like i know people criticise Garcia as we all know he is frustrating at times but he is a big game player and as for the Crouch rumours swap request why would we want to get rid of him. He has become a key player and has improved some amount from his time when we bought him to now

[bmac]

Just to clarify incase i didn't... I hope we don't lose Garcia. Also don't want crouch to go.

Cisse... him they can take :)

[Fowler's God]

Just to clarify incase i didn't... I hope we don't lose Garcia. Also don't want crouch to go.

Cisse... him they can take :)

I know ya didn't want to sell either of them Mac just saying that some fans were on other message boards espeically the BBC 606 one banging on about selling one of the two above along with cisse

Also it seems like Atletico fans are not too happy according to the the times website in the UK:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premiership/liverpool/article1995065.ece

[gav003]

There is always going to be back & forth stuff in the media when there is a possible big signing. The thing is we have to hope he settles quickly/ gets off to a flyer- we have to hope that his goal to games ratio improves alot & of course we have to hope we have wingers who can provide service to him. I'm just not sure about him But want to be proved wrong!!!

[bmac]

Instead of all the doom and gloom I will just add a future headline....

"Torres kops golden boot as Pool capture title number 19"

[megager]

I think Torres would do very well in England. He would crucify the poorer teams, which is something we have struggled to do heretofore. He is fast, clinical, good in the air and has the abilty to turn a game in an instant.
As for number 19, thats a foregone conclusion

[WexRed]

I read somewhere that the Buy out is up for debate as Athletico did not qualify for europe this year it is 16m rather than 27m. Cisse plus 10m would be good business.

If it were 16m the deal would've surely already been signed, sealed and deliver at that price. It seems obvious that -

(1) We want Torres
(2) Torres wants Liverpool
(3) Atletico fans want Torres to stay
(4) Atletico the club know he's going, regardless of fan revolts, and just want to make the most on him whether thats making us paying his 10% bonus or whatever you believe about the figures. Saying that, didn't a similiar fan display affect the Simao deal previously ?

I hope the mancs/arse/chavs don't mess this up for us especially with Henry and Smith going. Already I've seen a Spanish quote along the lines of the mancs had to pay 20m (thats the figure quote maybe euros) for an unknown player then Torres is worth much more. I knew their two ridiculous transfer fees would fcuk us up but thought more for Simao.

On what we don't know the whole involvement of Garcia, Crouch and Cisse in the deal would seem like pure speculation just like the different figures and conditions being banded about. Its a journo's join the dots game. To me I'd believe that they would want Crouch the most, he could be a big hit over there but we'd be barking mad to let him go unless in a straight cashless swap (even still open to debate). Cisse unlikely unless we offer a bargain evaluation and although Rafa would want to get rid he should get a better price elsewhere. Have to remember Garcia has been out for a season so unlikely to meet Rafa's evaluation and he likes him anyway (although you could bring Benayoun into this equation). I've heard and believe this more that Rafa wants to keep Luis. We want to strengthen our squad not swap out match winners.

[WexRed]

I think Torres would do very well in England. He would crucify the poorer teams, which is something we have struggled to do heretofore. He is fast, clinical, good in the air and has the abilty to turn a game in an instant.
As for number 19, thats a foregone conclusion

I agree except about him being clinical and #19 being a foregone clonclusion (if you believe that you could 10/1 with PP via the LFC site, doing each way you'd get 5/1 for 2nd).

He's a 1 goal in 3 chances striker. Against weaker opposition that could evaluate to a brace though given some of our midfield domination against teams, which is set to increase, especially if we get quality ball in. But if Crouch got 6 chances in a match I'd fancy him to score twice too. I'm not sure he, well either of them, would grab that one crucial chance that comes his way in a top 4 game but leagues are not won on this. The more I think about it the more I'd equate Crouch and Torres strike rate wise and both will depend on quality ball getting into them. If they get 15 league goals each and Kuyt and/or Bellamy tip double figures we'd run away with the league forget about 20 goal a season strikers given our strong defence.

[marko]

Its a journo's join the dots game. .

Wexred i agree but all this speculation is annoying,who's next to be linked in the deal? kewell

Until the lad is ours expect to keep reading more page fillers.I personally would prefer a straight cash deal and think rafa would prefer this also at a good price.Cisse + cash could be the only other sensible option...if they would take him.

[megager]

Athletico agree to straight swap; Torres for Cisse....Carlsberg dont rumours but if they did....

[megager]

[Hi wexred. Number 19 might take a bit of work.

I think Torres oozes class, and you have to remember he achieved that goal-game ratio largely playing as alone striker, target man. Therefore a 1/3 goal :game ratio is actually very misleading. With a foil to do the work...(Kuyt) I think torres would up that to a 1 in 2 ratio at least. I think he would score at least 25 goals in all competitions.

I think Bellamy will be on the way, Im surprised he hasnt been mentioned in the player swap deals ( though I'm sure he will be at some stage).

Id like some movement on this soon though. United and Chelsea dont hang about and therefore usually get their man. The longer this saga drags, the more likely it is that Cisse will lead the line next year. Now perish that thought.

[paddypower111]

the only way i can see us getting him if we give cash and 2 players. which players is a guess but we wont get him any easyier

[WexRed]

Wexred i agree but all this speculation is annoying,who's next to be linked in the deal? kewell

....well actually funny you should mention 'Arry cos a very solid source, a mate of a mate's granny, heard a rumour while getting the blue rinse done in the hairdressers on pensioner day that....

[WexRed]

the only way i can see us getting him if we give cash and 2 players. which players is a guess but we wont get him any easyier

I completely disagree - cash and TWO players - that would be a joke and won't happen. Have only ever seen the likes of that when the players are on the way out anyway.

That could be applied to Cisse but we obviously want money for him and Rafa is playing hardball with Marseilles when they probably expected an easy ride like clubs have gotten off us before. He's dead right no more freebies going along with the player wanting to go on loan to a club that won't buy him. Either accept a club offer or suffer in the reserves. I don't think Rafa wants to play Cisse next season like people seem to be worrying about (there's not the room in the squad) he just wants a fair price for him.

If you look at the evaluations of the players mentioned roughly Cisse 5-8m, Bellamy 12m, Garcia > 10m ?, Crouch surely 15m+ then I'd say if two players went there'd be no cash involved. I couldn't see Crouch being involved in any case, think Rafa would be slow to let Luis go but would involve Cisse and Bellamy alright at his evaluations (he deffo reckons Bellamy is worth 12m) so alright possibly Cisse and Bellamy plus a single million figured sum but would Atletico be bothered really ?

[WexRed]

[Hi wexred. Number 19 might take a bit of work.

I think Torres oozes class, and you have to remember he achieved that goal-game ratio largely playing as alone striker, target man. Therefore a 1/3 goal :game ratio is actually very misleading. With a foil to do the work...(Kuyt) I think torres would up that to a 1 in 2 ratio at least. I think he would score at least 25 goals in all competitions.

I think Bellamy will be on the way, Im surprised he hasnt been mentioned in the player swap deals ( though I'm sure he will be at some stage).

Id like some movement on this soon though. United and Chelsea dont hang about and therefore usually get their man. The longer this saga drags, the more likely it is that Cisse will lead the line next year. Now perish that thought.

I hope you're right in your praise of Torres but please don't quote all competition goals (I hate that) as its #19 we're after, don't care if he scores nothing outside of the league.

I won't go into the Bellamy thing, i.e. his value or not to us, as has been covered in other threads in detail (I'm for keeping Bellamy unless proper money comes in for him that we make good use of so squad better off overall) but I'm sure if a club matched Rafa's evaluation in either cash or equivalent discount off the price of a player he wants then he'd be gone.

Cisse is only in the press because Rafa won't be fcuked up the arse like we have on players before going on the cheap. Lending him out indefinitely was only saving us some (prob not all) of his wage bill. Wants to sell him to get more money for transfers and get rid of his wage bill totally. If even he does that for 1 million it'd be better than the current arrangement. No prospect of him leading the line in a squad that has 4 forwards and are looking for a 5th.

I think this is THE deal that Rafa wants to get through and all other transfers are been kept on ice in case he needs the cash to make that happen. He won't know until will get Torres how much transfer money he has left or what players he has left to sell or trade with. This to me explains the whole non-activity up until now that people have been fretting about as we need to get this, our number one target (maybe he always was), sorted first rather than be left short from another deal. I wouldn't worry about other clubs coming in for him for the plain fact that Torres actually wants to come here. Its similiar to Henry going to Barca for 16m, Arsenal would've obviously got a lot more in a open sale but Henry would only move to one club. Like Bent is valued at 1 million more than him ! The manc's stupid overpriced buys have prob effected us though, stupid ****s, but at least Chelski and Arse have been very very quiet.

[Fowler's God]

[Hi wexred. Number 19 might take a bit of work.

I think Torres oozes class, and you have to remember he achieved that goal-game ratio largely playing as alone striker, target man. Therefore a 1/3 goal :game ratio is actually very misleading. With a foil to do the work...(Kuyt) I think torres would up that to a 1 in 2 ratio at least. I think he would score at least 25 goals in all competitions.

I think Bellamy will be on the way, Im surprised he hasnt been mentioned in the player swap deals ( though I'm sure he will be at some stage).

Id like some movement on this soon though. United and Chelsea dont hang about and therefore usually get their man. The longer this saga drags, the more likely it is that Cisse will lead the line next year. Now perish that thought.

I think Rafa could either use bellamy as a lee-way in the Mancini bid as Roma are interested in signing him anyway

[WexRed]

I think Rafa could either use bellamy as a lee-way in the Mancini bid as Roma are interested in signing him anyway

Yeah saw that before. Given the valuations a straight swap could be on or Bellamy plus 6m depending on the reports. I wouldn't be opposed to that. Mancini had highest number of assists in Italy and scored a wonder goal against Lyon in CL the season before last (remind you of any Portugese twats only he's not able to do it on the big stage only against league cannon fodder) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryYjGiUu8RA

[megager]

That was a cracker alright and I thought he was excellent against the mancs too. In the first leg I mean. Yeah, I could see Bellamy liking Rome. Could you imaginr him at the Rome Derby tho? Id say he might need more than golf clubs then

[Alex Raisbeck]

Wonder if we make the Torres signing this week will we start to see a bit of an exodus with Bellamy as the first maybe?

[Garrett]

.....It seems obvious that -

(1) We want Torres
(2) Torres wants Liverpool
(3) Atletico fans want Torres to stay
(4) Atletico the club know he's going, regardless of fan revolts, and just want to make the most on him whether thats making us paying his 10% bonus or whatever you believe about the figures. Saying that, didn't a similiar fan display affect the Simao deal previously ?

I hope the mancs/arse/chavs don't mess this up for us especially with Henry and Smith going.....


Hi

I'd agree with this alright mate

Personally, I don't want to see Garcia go, but happy to see Cisse, Belemey, Kewell all go - how about that then mate, a 3 for 1 swap with Torres coming to Liverpool .... now that would be a Carlsberg add ;)

In contrast to the points raised by some above btw, I'd rather see Rafa offloading any of the dead wood he can now, regardless of closing deals for new players coming in - flog the ones we don't want asap, get them off the wage bill & a few squid in the bank, I say :)

[megager]

Hi. I was just talking to a friend of mine in Madrid. Torres is definately leaving, but Athletico are getting pissed off with Liverpool. Apparently we are not being very flexible and seem to be throwing in lots of excuses. We are not as hot favourites to sign him in Spain as we are here, though he will not sign for Real, for sure. My mate ( a Villa fan, and anti Manc) reckons united or chelsea may come in with a big bid while we are not looking.
Torres is not a liverpool fan and will go where the money is right. This looks bad I think.

[Fowler's God]

Hi. I was just talking to a friend of mine in Madrid. Torres is definately leaving, but Athletico are getting pissed off with Liverpool. Apparently we are not being very flexible and seem to be throwing in lots of excuses. We are not as hot favourites to sign him in Spain as we are here, though he will not sign for Real, for sure. My mate ( a Villa fan, and anti Manc) reckons united or chelsea may come in with a big bid while we are not looking.
Torres is not a liverpool fan and will go where the money is right. This looks bad I think.

From SkySports

Atletico Madrid have given their clearest indication that Fernando Torres could leave the club and that Diego Forlan could be his replacement.

With Liverpool said to have made their interest in the highly-rated striker known, the Spanish club are now playing a waiting game.

Atletico official Miguel Angel Gil Marin admitted he was aware of The Reds' desire to sign Torres and said that one of his jobs this summer could be to look for a replacement.

"Nobody is essential," Gil Marin told Punto Radio.

"We are trying to build a team to compete and it is not about any one player and, good though he is, we want a squad that achieves its ambitions.

"Atletico is creating a side that is not all about Torres, but about the team itself.

"I would love Fernando to stay, but it is Fernando himself who will decide his future.

"We have talked to him and told him that he is in our plans. It is normal that he has doubts.

"It is also normal that there are offers that has caused him to stop and think.

"Things in football can change at any time and, although I do not see anything happening yet, I have to continue to work on looking for alternatives in case all this talk becomes a reality."

Despite all the rumours, Gil Marin holds out hope that Torres will reject Liverpool's overtures and commit himself to the club where he came through the youth ranks.

However, the approach to sign Forlan from Villarreal will continue even if Torres stays, according to Gil Martin.

"The deal that we are trying to do for Forlan is to give Fernando a partner in attack, but it may also be to use him as his replacement," Gil Marin said.

"Torres knows that he is wanted at Atletico and, as far as I know, he wants to stay."

After a meeting with his club and agent, it is believed that Forlan has decided to snub potential interest from the Premier League to remain in Spain.

Aston Villa and Sunderland have both been linked with the former Manchester United forward.

Also on sky it says Chris Coleman has been offered the Job at Real Sociedad emm... interesting

[marko]

Looks like Atletico want Torres to say he wants to leave himself

[bryanod]

everone wants/needs to save face in this one, tehy'll buy luis, we'll use that extra cash to hit the release clause adn everyone looks good. they use the extra cash to buy forlan and riquelme whom they're after.

[YNWA]

Garcia hinting at Atletico...well one day...

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=474141&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=2&title=Garcia+open+to+Torres+swap&channel=football_home&

[Fowler's God]

http://www.youtube.com/v/Eav56NOod_k

torres video

[bmac]

http://www.youtube.com/v/Eav56NOod_k

torres video

I have watched so many Torres videos in the last two weeks, I will be gutted if we don't sign him :D

[paul_]

Not totally convinced by Torres, certainly as a main striker anyhow.

His goal record isn't that great especially considering the price tag.

[Alex Raisbeck]

Im convined, in fact I believe in the lad.
Belief is a key for Redmen.

[bmac]

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2114541,00.html

£27m Torres heading for Anfield as BenÃ*tez makes striking move


Sid Lowe in Madrid
Friday June 29, 2007
The Guardian


Liverpool and Atlético Madrid have agreed a deal to take Fernando Torres to Anfield. Liverpool will pay fractionally less than the €40m (£27m) buy-out clause Torres has at the Vicente Calderón, leaving the 23-year-old striker to finalise personal terms before the move goes ahead. Neither side anticipates major difficulties in closing the deal, with Liverpool understanding that any percentage of the transfer fee due to Torres must be paid by Atlético.

Article continues

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luis GarcÃ*a is set to go in the other direction for almost £4m but although his move facilitates negotiations on Torres and would bring down the cash price, the deals are not interdependent. Liverpool paid £6m for GarcÃ*a when he joined three summers ago but their manager, Rafa BenÃ*tez, is prepared to release him and GarcÃ*a is keen on a return to Spain to play for the club where he spent a successful season in 2002-03, scoring nine times in 30 games.
Although Atlético fans protested against the sale of Torres - the captain, standard-bearer and the player they have called The Kid since he made his debut at 16 - the club have decided it is time to cash in on their greatest asset. "No one is irreplaceable," said their major shareholder, Miguel Angel Gil MarÃ*n. "We have to build a competitive team and no one player, however good he is, can achieve our objectives on his own. Last time I spoke to Fernando he said he was staying but I can't prevent him having a change of heart and I have to be prepared for that."

Atlético have previously had to withstand an offer from Tottenham and informal approaches from Chelsea for Torres, but agreed to drop Torres's buy-out clause from €90m to €40m this summer to facilitate a move. They are keen on a cash injection and Torres has grown tired of waiting to fulfil his dream of playing in Europe for the club. He has always insisted he does not want to play for another Spanish team and is an admirer of the Premiership.

"If I left Spain I'd like to go to England, because it's interesting and because the way they play in Italy's not so attractive," he said 18 months ago. Liverpool wanted to offer Djibril Cissé as part of the deal but the Frenchman rejected the move. Torres scored 14 league goals last season, taking him to 75 in five top-flight seasons.

Liverpool have signed the 18-year-old Athletic Bilbao defender Mikel San José for £270,000 and given their 22-year-old midfielder Mohamed Sissoko a new four-year contract.

[marko]

Irish Times Article

Liverpool get Torres, Garcia moves on
Sid Lowe, Jeremy Wilson and Stuart James

Liverpool and Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal to take Fernando Torres to Anfield. Liverpool will pay fractionally less than the £27 million buy-out clause Torres has at the Vicente Calderon, leaving the 23-year-old striker to finalise personal terms before the move goes ahead.

Neither side anticipates major difficulties in closing the deal, with Liverpool understanding that any percentage of the transfer fee due to Torres must be paid by Atletico.

Luis Garcia is set to go in the other direction for almost £4 million but although his move facilitates negotiations on Torres and would bring down the cash price, the deals are not interdependent.

Liverpool paid £6 million for Garcia when he joined three summers ago but their manager, Rafa Benitez, is prepared to release him and Garcia is keen on a return to Spain to play for the club where he spent a successful season in 2002-03, scoring nine times in 30 games.

Although Atletico fans protested against the sale of Torres- the captain, standard-bearer and the player they have called "The Kid" since he made his debut at 16 - the club have decided it is time to cash in on their greatest asset.

"No one is irreplaceable," said their major shareholder, Miguel Angel Gil Marin. "We have to build a competitive team and no one player, however good he is, can achieve our objectives on his own. Last time I spoke to Fernando he said he was staying but I can't prevent him having a change of heart and I have to be prepared for that."

Atletico have previously had to withstand an offer from Tottenham and informal approaches from Chelsea for Torres, but agreed to drop Torres's buy-out clause from €90 million to €40 million this summer to facilitate a move.

They are keen on a cash injection and Torres has grown tired of waiting to fulfil his dream of playing in Europe for the club. He has always insisted he does not want to play for another Spanish team and is an admirer of the Premiership.

"If I left Spain I'd like to go to England, because it's interesting and because the way they play in Italy's not so attractive," he said 18 months ago.

Liverpool wanted to offer Djibril Cisse as part of the deal but the Frenchman rejected the move. Torres scored 14 league goals last season, taking him to 75 in five top-flight seasons.

[bryanod]

reported as fee agreed now on various sites etc, 5 live i think broke it.

not sure if its 27m or 20m + luis.

Now lets see if we can sneak tevez for a TnT partnership, talk about dynamite!

[paddypower111]

i think its 27 m and garcia. but great news hey. been waiting 4 new signing and its a great 1

[megager]

I hate to see Luis go, but, it was inevitable. I hope this is tied up now. Torres will be the difference next year. I actually think we can win the premiership now...honestly

[SUPERFAN]

i was listening to Graham Hunter on Newstalk last night and what he had to say made me think that the deal might not go through
he said we shouldn't underestimate how much Torres loves Athletico,the Club are in his Blood and he wouldn't be surprised if he decided to stay.this is great news if it is true.
i will be obviously delighted if he signs but i will also feel sorry for the Athletico fans.i remember what it felt like when Gerrard almost went to the Chavs and it wasn't very nice.....

[Malzheimer]

....and if he stayed we would surely get tevez.

Not that I don't rate Torres but as said before Tevez would be my #1

[callyno3]

....and if he stayed we would surely get tevez.

Not that I don't rate Torres but as said before Tevez would be my #1

Have to disagree there mate I rate Torres far higher than Tevez, having watched the argie quite a bit last year his best asset seems to be not letting defenders settle on the ball. 2 words Dirk Kuyt. he has other attributes but IMO Torres is a far better player.

[megager]

If he waits until the 10th of jult to sign, it doesnt give us very long to write a song for him...any ideas?

[Malzheimer]

Have to disagree there mate I rate Torres far higher than Tevez, having watched the argie quite a bit last year his best asset seems to be not letting defenders settle on the ball. 2 words Dirk Kuyt. he has other attributes but IMO Torres is a far better player.

What about his ability to produce moments of magic when really needed like away to Mancs (fill Garcia's boots), his ability to play a pass to open up a defence up and bring other players into the game. Not to mention he's proven he can do it with a weaker side in the premiership.

Torres is a world class striker though top finisher when he's on his game

[WexRed]

Adapt the Luis song for him. Nah that was Garcia's song and will always be.

Jeez I for one am gonna miss the little fella but before he got injured he seemed to be relegated to more of a bit part and gone down in Rafa's estimation maybe because for all his attributes he had to be carried somewhat and that doesn't fit in with the boss's total team ethic. Still I missed him in Europe at times and but particularly in the Big 4 league matches, thats when he really shone for me.

I think for the price he's going for, 4m ?, he must want to move as I'd just keep him when you consider Gonzalez was meant to be going for 5m (dunno what the story is there though).

[WexRed]

i think its 27 m and garcia. but great news hey. been waiting 4 new signing and its a great 1

I don't think its 27m plus Garcia as we'd get Torres for 27m anyway since thats his release clause figure. Its supposedly slightly less than 27 and we're getting 4 for Luis so prob cost us 21-22m leaving 10m out of 'same budget as last year'.

That should cover Benayoun - we were prob waiting to see if Luis was going first before completing that - and top up the money we get for Bellamy to buy a winger, maybe a player plus cash deal for Mancini would be nice and clean. We might get another 10m for Gonzalez and Cisse which may mean we get a winger and keep Bellamy or he goes and we get a full back on top of the winger....many possibilities and we have Arbeloa and Insua anyway. Looks like we're gonna try to use Hypia's last season to bring though this Bilbao defender and/or Paletta.

As I said before I reckon everything else is dependent on this going through and once it does we know how much money we have left to spend and which players we have to sell or trade. Obviously with Luis going then the Benayoun deal looks a certainty. If he had stayed then I couldn't see us buying him. This to me suggests Luis asked to go back to Spain a good while ago, particularly Atletico, and Rafa has been trying to work this into a Torres deal having to wait till the league finishes to do so. In Rafa we trust !

[megager]

Id say Garcia will be worth more than 4. Id say when the fee for torres will be undisclosed (if we have got him, which i wont believe til i see it).

Luis was great but toores is the next level. Im happy Garcia is getting a move he wants.
ger

[Colm]

Id say Garcia will be worth more than 4. but he is is out of contract next summer

[WexRed]

Which probably indicates he had said he wants to move back or Rafa didn't want to shore him up with Xabi and Co. Even though he was always likely to move back at some stage Atletico are deffo a step or two down from us so I'd reckon Rafa didn't want to keep him long term.

He's certainly been worth the 2 million difference in price anyway. If we'd offered him a new contract and then sold him he'd be worth twice that price, especially for Spanish footie, like how could Speedy be worth more than him. But Rafa and the club were probably straight up with him which is fair enough. Some of the best and most important goals of Rafa's reign and the best fecking song. Please don't take our Luis awwwaaaayyyy, best of luck to him.

[Malzheimer]

I will miss cusing Luis every game when he gives the ball away by trying something fancy instead of doing the simple thing and then in the 89th minute in a big game he pulls a bit of magic out of the top locker.
Been a good servant hope all goes well in Spain for him if this stories true

[paddypower111]

well if we get him without giveing garcia away that would be great news:)

[Alex Raisbeck]

O man, I just want to see the headline Torres Signs

[JohnnyBarnes]

Yeah, lets get him signed already.

[Garrett]

....

Now lets see if we can sneak tevez for a TnT partnership, talk about dynamite!


Sure has the making's of a new Carlsberg TV advert, don't it ;) :D :D :D

Would really be class if we landed them both ....

I'm really pleased to be seeing Tores coming to us (fingers, legs etc all crossed until he signs ;)), I really like him, even if he didn't have the best season last year, I think he's done really well over the last few years and think with the other Spainish, alongisde Rafa he can fit in very well with us too !

I do also feel a bit sorry for his fans back home, did you see they went out on the streets to protest at him possibly leaving etc ... now thats the kinda thing that really impresses me and suggests, he's got the heart and skill to fit in at our club too !



As for Garcia going, I'm sorry to see him leave ... lets hope he's not going quite yet :)

[megager]

Remember Xabi Alonso was the next Galactico before an indifferent season saw him sign for us. The rest is well.....

What is great about Torres is he has won nothing of note, so will be hungry. That is an intangiable attribute and hell be great for us (fingers, toes crossed we sign him).

[Jockser]

LIVERPOOL have agreed to smash their transfer record to land number one target Fernando Torres.

And Anfield officials are now “very confident� the Reds will get their man.

The Reds have agreed a deal in principle with Atletico Madrid just short of the £27m get-out clause stipulated in Torres’ contract, and hope to convince the player to accept personal terms early next week.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez remained tight-lipped today, saying: “All I can say is that Fernando Torres is one of the players we have looked at,� but Liverpool are now very optimistic Torres will line up at Anfield next season.


The transfer fee smashes Liverpool’s previous record of £14m, paid for Djibril Cisse three years ago, and the Reds may try now to recoup some of their vast outlay by selling the French international back to his own country.


The Reds have been locked in talks with Marseille, where Cisse spent a season on loan, with a view to a permanent transfer.


The French club are keen to secure another season-long loan, but with only two years left on his Anfield contract Benitez is adamant that will not happen.


Another departure could be winger Luis Garcia.


Atletico want the player, signed from Barcelona for £6m just a month after Cisse’s arrival, and value him at £4m, but his return to Spain is not dependent on Torres’ arrival.


Eighteen months ago Torres said: "If I left Spain I'd like to go to England, because the way they play in Italy is not so attractive.�


Now he looks like getting his wish.

[marko]

O man, I just want to see the headline Torres Signs


Yeah, no hickups or last minute u turns please,get him signed my head is wrecked at this stage anyway my young lad wants to get him on his away jersey and he keeps asking me "has he signed yet"!!! :)

[Garrett]

LOL :D :D :D

.... tell your son he can't get it done until the first game of the new season, that should help get him off your back mate ;) :D

[marko]

I'll try that thanks ;) either way should know early next week according to ssn deal should be done then :)

[megager]

Will he get number 9 do you think?

[marko]

Yeah think so its up for grabs nobody using it and its what he wears for athletico.I was thinking of putting it on my sons jersey earlier in the week but didnt want to put the mockers on the deal.

[Fowler's God]

The new champions league jersey is out this month ain't it??

I already got Dirk Kuyt on the new away one

[callyno3]

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=474815&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=&title=Fowler+hails+Torres+coup

[Fowler's God]

http://liverpool.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=890&p=2&stid=8450178

Interesting read lads from shanklygates website

[Fowler's God]

Seems Xabi is excited that Torres is joining

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=474909&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=&title=Alonso+excited+by+Torres+move&channel=&

[Dub13]

Some Fernando Torres clips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikBa5bWdoQs&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXFV9SdwPHg&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwEXO_u-Ud8&mode=related&search=

[Malzheimer]

Reports circulating at the moment, he's in Liverpool today for a medical after agreeing personnel terms. An announcement is expected later today or tomorrow from Madrid. He has cut his holiday short aswell which shows hes keen.

Just give us some official confirmation already, im soo impatient for him to sign, especially after watching Dub13's youtube clips!!

[Dub13]

So am I,also a big plus in getting him is his age I think he is 23 or 24.

[bmac]

At this stage if he doesn't sign it will be a serious anti-climax :rolleyes:

[Malzheimer]

Seems like he has been around for ages, and yet he is only 23 its great. Xabi, God and Rushie seems to think very highly of him, for me that says enough

[Dub13]

I am also reading reports that he is expected to sign a six-year deal,this is good news a 6 year contract is not the norm 3/4/5 are so it would be good to get him tied down on till he is 29.

[megager]

Great news indeed. This is a real statement of intent. He will be a big star if we get him

[bmac]

I reckon they are holding off on announcing the Torres deal and new stadium plans as they don't want to take the shine off "Robbie Fowler week" over on .tv :D

[Fowler's God]

Some info on the Torres situation after passing his medical from Atletico Madrid Website:

Fernando Torres has been transferred to Liverpool and will give a press conference on Wednesday, July 4th
Club Atlético de Madrid has reached an agreement with Liverpool Football Club in regards to the transfer of Fernando Torres. The player, accompanied by Mr. Enrique Cerezo, will give his final farewells in a closing press conference on Wednesday, July 4th in the VIP Room at Vicente Calderon Stadium at 10:00 in the morning(9am our time)

[Alex Raisbeck]

Will he get number 9 do you think?

Definitley

[bmac]

Thank God (the other one) this is finally finished... can't wait to see him banging them in next season....

[marko]

TORRES TO GET NUMBER NINE SHIRT
Jimmy Rice 04 July 2007
Fernando Torres has spoken of his pride after being told he will be handed the number nine shirt vacated by Robbie Fowler when he completes his move from Atletico Madrid later today.
Torres, who will put pen to paper on the deal this afternoon, claimed it would be an honour to wear the number once owned by Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush.

"The fact that Liverpool are giving me the number nine jersey just goes to show the confidence they have placed in me, when considering those who have worn that shirt before me," he said.

The 23-year-old admitted he was sad to be leaving the club he supported as a boy but revealed it was an opportunity too good to turn down.

"Liverpool is one of the best, if not the best, clubs in Europe," he added.

Torres was back in his homeland saying goodbye to fans this morning and is due to fly into Liverpool later today to complete the deal. He'll then he unveiled to the media.

Stay logged on to Liverpoolfc.tv for the first interview this afternoon.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156281070704-1042.htm

[Malzheimer]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=443266&cc=5739&campaign=rss&source=soccernet

His farewill bid to the Athletico fans, nice gesture.

[Rogie]

I wanted to get Fowler 9 on my new jersey last year but relented because it wasn't clear if Robbie would get another contract.

Therefore I think I better head into town after work and get Torres 9.

[Fowler's God]

I wanted to get Fowler 9 on my new jersey last year but relented because it wasn't clear if Robbie would get another contract.

Therefore I think I better head into town after work and get Torres 9.

Didn't care meself got Fowler on it last summer to have always as a reminder that he came back and said farewell properly to the fans unlike the last time

[Malzheimer]

Didn't care meself got Fowler on it last summer to have always as a reminder that he came back and said farewell properly to the fans unlike the last time

So did I, nice memory to have in hommage to GOD.

Torres has big boots to fill, thats for sure!

[Fowler's God]

So did I, nice memory to have in hommage to GOD.

Torres has big boots to fill, thats for sure!

He does before the growler came back it was Diouf and Cisse who had the no. 9's and were crap so please god fernando does very well i might even try send on a link to him on his myspace web page and see will he sign up for the crack??? good idea??

[Malzheimer]

He does before the growler came back it was Diouf and Cisse who had the no. 9's and were crap so please god fernando does very well i might even try send on a link to him on his myspace web page and see will he sign up for the crack??? good idea??

Yeah we haven't had a prolific no.9 since Fowler left first time round, El Nino will hopefully fill the void.
As for the myspace idea, he might be a bit busy today what with press conferences in Madrid and Liverpool in the space of a few hours! :D

[Fowler's God]

Yeah we haven't had a prolific no.9 since Fowler left first time round, El Nino will hopefully fill the void.
As for the myspace idea, he might be a bit busy today what with press conferences in Madrid and Liverpool in the space of a few hours! :D

He's online at d mo

[Malzheimer]

must have the net on his plane!!! go for it for a laugh

[Malzheimer]

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_headline=%2D%2D8216%2Dreds-onto-a-winner-with-star-torres%2D%2D8217%2D%26method=full%26objectid=19403 303%26page=1%26siteid=50061-name_page.html


http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_headline=elves%2D-tattoos-and-quiet-nights-in%2D%2D-the-world-of-liverpool%2Ds-record-signing%26method=full%26objectid=19403375%26siteid =50061-name_page.html

A bit about the new kid, what he's like away from the pitch and Guillem Balague's opinions on him. For those who don't know GB is a spanish journalist whos a pundit on skysports la liga, really knows his stuff and has close ties with Rafa. He has wrote a book on the spanish revolution at Anfield also.

[Colm]

FERNANDO TORRES’ “passion for Liverpool� was the key to Rafa Benitez smashing Liverpool’s transfer record to land the Spanish striker.

The 23-year-old passed a medical last night and was due to be unveiled at Anfield today.

And delighted boss Benitez said: “Atletico Madrid had better offers and the player had better offers.

“But he always wanted to join Liverpool. That was the key for me.

“We needed to work hard because there were other clubs who wanted him that we knew about - other clubs offering more money.

“But the player said straight away ‘I want to join Liverpool’. He said we were his first choice and that was the key for me.

“He has taken a pay cut to come here. Okay he is still on a very good contract because he is a top player. But to be a successful club you need players with passion and Fernando has passion.�

Liverpool completed a £20m deal yesterday, with the £5m rated Luis Garcia moving in the opposite direction, and Benitez added: “I am happy for everybody at the club, for George Gillett and Tom Hicks who agreed to sanction the deal and for Rick Parry who worked hard to make it happen.

“He is a fantastic player who can score goals and will work hard for the team.

“I have also seen that he is a very hard worker in training sessions.

“He has talent, but he can also improve.�

Torres has finished top scorer for Atletico in each of the last five seasons, but Benitez believes the player’s goals record can get even better.

“If you analyse the figures,� he said, “he was a footballer playing first team football at 17-years-old and it is very difficult to score goals consistently at that age.

“Then Atletico Madrid were not a top four team and Torres was playing up front on his own.

“But if you read the comments of the Madrid supporters they say he couldn’t have worked any harder for the team.

“To score the goals he has at his age, every season, shows he has great potential and he has the capacity to improve. I hope that at a big club surrounded by good players he will get even better.�

Benitez also admitted that the sale of Garcia in the opposite direction had been a sacrifice.

“Luis was a fantastic player for us,� he added. “He had ability and he could change a game. But it is a good move for him and his family. Atletico is a good club and we are professionals.�

[dougal]

That is the most important thing - he wanted to come!
I think he has the skill we have been missing at the front. Roll on the season!

[redeagle]

Welcome Fernando Torres


W00t

[marko]

"Always wanted to come here"

"taken a pay cut"


Great to hear,taking the lad at face value,shows the hunger he has to play for Liverpool.

[Colm]

"Always wanted to come here"

"taken a pay cut"


Great to hear,taking the lad at face value,shows the hunger he has to play for Liverpool.
hes still gonna be on 90k a week tho! ;)

[megager]

6 year contract. That will push his value rgiht up. We did very well to get him, I'm delighted.

Now he still has alot to do though, but I think he is capable. He has gone from an underachieving squad, where his excellence shone. He now has to step up a gear. THat "youll never walk alone" gaff though obviously suggests he was receptive to our shows of interest. Like that

[marko]

hes still gonna be on 90k a week tho! ;)

Yeah thats for all the new haircuts he'll be getting ;)