The story that has blossomed into the biggest drama of the entire transfer window will wrap up today, one way or the other.
Ever since news emerged concerning Fernando Torres’ rejected transfer request at Liverpool, the press have been in overdrive and speculation about a possible move south has been rife.
English columnists have long linked Chelsea with the Spanish striker, with many reports emerging in the summer about a rejected transfer offer during the Anfield reign of Messrs Hicks and Gillett.
In this context, reports about another rejected transfer offer last week seemed rather benign, but the subsequent revelations from Anfield immediately turned the rumours into a gargantuan saga that has garnered column inches the world over.
Liverpool’s short statement regarding the rejection of a written transfer request from Torres has been the only official word to emerge from the club, and the all pervasive silence since has allowed wild speculation to be the order of the day.
The consensus among the hacks appears to be that Chelsea, or more precisely Roman Abramovich, will have to cough up a sum close to fifty million pounds in order to acquire the Spaniard.
The rumoured outlay will make a mockery of the clubs stated aim of breaking even and conforming to Uefa’s soon to be introduced financial fair play rules, that will govern entry to the lucrative champions league.
Rumours about potential make-weights in the form of either Daniel Sturridge or Nicolas Anelka appear to be wide of the mark.
Nicolas Anelka is a key component of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, one of only two recognized front-men with genuine top flight experience, and it is extremely doubtful that a move to Anfield would appeal to him.
Daniel Sturridge is currently undergoing a medical at Bolton, and clearly won’t be a part of any dealings with Liverpool. His loan move to Bolton, however, will likely be immediately terminated if we don’t acquire Torres.
The rhetoric in the press has predominantly pointed to the move as being an inevitable one, however Kenny Dalglish has today insisted that Liverpool’s stance remains unchanged, commenting: ‘Regards Fernando, it’s the same as what this club’s statement was two or three days ago, I won’t be adding to that.
‘We’re not trying to be evasive, we have a responsibility to yourselves (the media) and will try and acknowledge what’s going on at the football club, the supporters deserve to be told, but I think everyone deserves to hear definitive news and not speculative stuff.’
The comments don’t represent a point blank confirmation that Torres will be staying at Anfield, however that possibility is still a very real one.
One way or the other, we will find out by eleven o’clock this evening whether or not the club will be smashing the English transfer record to acquire one of the most prominent players in European football.
Other names have been mooted in the press today, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, James McCarthy, Dimitri Payet, but the club could still opt to confront the challenges that lie ahead this season without any additions to the squad.
It’s going to be a fascinating few hours ahead, and We’ll endeavour to keep you informed of any deadline day news emanating from the bridge!
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