[retired_anne walter]

Can't see Tevez going to Inter now they've got Suazo. But he was never coming to Liverpool.

[retired_983008]

He is probably going to Real or Arsenal.

[retired_flamindragon1986]

Reds hit by Torres hitch


By PHIL THOMAS
June 27, 2007

LIVERPOOL’S record bid for Fernando Torres is being held up by the Atletico Madrid striker’s £2.5m pay-off clause.

Anfield chief Rafa Benitez has agreed to pay £25m for the 23-year-old Spanish international.

But Torres is entitled to 10 per cent of any fee and Atletico insist Liverpool should pay it.

The Premiership outfit are adamant the cash should come out of the transfer pot and want it knocked off the price.

But Atletico president Enrique Cerezo wants Torres’ full valuation to be met.

He said: “Every player has a price and if they pay the transfer clause there is nothing we can do to stop Torres leaving.

“But at the moment what is certain is that there is nothing going on with Torres and any other club.”

Benitez’ own agent Garcia Quilon is trying to broker a deal and Liverpool are confident they will get their man.

Torres, who has hit 82 goals in 212 games, is keen to move to England and is ready to tell Atletico he wants out in a bid to break the deadlock.

Liverpool would like to make it a players-plus-cash deal. They are ready to include Djibril Cisse and Luis Garcia in a bid to keep their financial outlay as low as possible.

Cisse, 25, who has been on loan at Marseille and is still interesting the French club, has a holiday home in Spain.

Garcia, 29, missed much of last season with a knee injury but was a huge hit in a spell at Atletico five years ago.

[retired_michelle_191285]

Is Parry sunning himself again?

[retired_michelle_191285]

Oh, and that's one serious signing-on fee.

[retired_swampdawgie1967]

hmmm, i read that earlier and wasn't sure about it but the bbc are running a similar story

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 international.

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.

i will put a £10 towards the £2.5m

[retired_flamindragon1986]

if the story is true i cant see £2.5m being a deal breaker, if they want him that badly i think we will end up paying it.

[retired_stevesgrl]

If the Americans are willing to accept South African Rands I too will offer to put a little something towards that £2.5m. Anything to have us have something worthwhile to talk about.

[retired_michelle_191285]

Can you still activate a release clause by offering something like £18 Million + Garcia if both clubs agree that Garcia is worth around £7 Million?

Somehow, I doubt it.

[retired_littlegoldielocks]

just pay half each for the £2.5m. ffs.