Chelsea start Torres bidding at £35million - exclusive

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.

Hodgson has already had an encouraging conversation with his star striker after the two had brief telephone discussions over the weekend.

And the new manager plans to fly to Spain early next week for more talks with the Reds hero in an attempt to persuade him to give Liverpool another season and to see if a takeover can be completed.