Reds await new Torres bid
Liverpool are bracing themselves for a renewed bid from Chelsea for Fernando Torres after turning down a transfer request from the striker.
The Anfield club rejected Torres' request and then told the Spain forward they expect him to honour his contract.
Speculation had been rife about the 26-year-old's future after the club turned down a £35million bid from Chelsea.
Just hours after the Reds concluded a deal with Ajax for their Uruguay forward Luiz Suarez, Torres handed in his request.
It was rejected and the player was reminded of his previous pledge to the club.
"Fernando Torres tonight submitted a written transfer request, which has been rejected by Liverpool," said a club statement.
"Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement."
Barely had news of the Suarez deal, worth up to £22.8million for the Dutch club, filtered out then speculation began to increase about Torres.
It had been hoped the capture of the Uruguayan would provide the necessary evidence that owners Fenway Sports Group were serious about investing in the squad and convince star names they could have a successful future at Anfield.
Commitment
However, it appears the 26-year-old's mind had already been made up to ask to leave in the wake of Chelsea's bid even though he has a contract until the end of 2013.
The Stamford Bridge side have tried to sign Torres before but the striker put an end to the speculation spoke publicly of his feelings for the club on August 3, saying: "My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.
"I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."
It is those comments which the club have now turned back on the player, insisting they have no desire to allow him to leave.
Their statement also, quite cleverly, leans heavily on the elevated position the Spaniard has with the supporters, who have adored their number nine since the day he signed in July 2007.
The timing of Torres' request is odd, just three days before the close of the transfer window, and that could act in Liverpool's favour as they desperately try to hold on to their star striker.
Even if Chelsea return with an improved bid the Merseysiders will reject it and then can stall and frustrate any other attempts to manufacture a move, knowing there is very little time left for pressure to build.
Manager Kenny Dalglish is scheduled to hold his pre-match press conference on Monday - deadline day - but he is likely to have done plenty of talking behind the scenes before he faces the media.
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