Abramovich makes move for torres

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has flown to South Africa to try and secure the signing of Fernando Torres.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Abramovich hopes to meet with the Liverpool striker's representatives over the next few days.
Sources on Merseyside have told Sky News a deal is "likely to happen."

Chelsea are preparing a bid of £50million - which falls short of Liverpool's £70million valuation.

Torres has had a poor World Cup with Spain, but that has not dampened Chelsea's desire to add him to their squad.

And despite a stream of denials from Torres' agent, they remain confident the player is receptive to a move away from Anfield.

It will be a long summer for the new Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, who is also bracing himself for bids for Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano - while Real Madrid's interest in Steven Gerrard is set to continue.

Liverpool have already sold Yossi Benayoun to Chelsea for £5.5million.