Chelsea are now willing to offer a British record 50 million pounds for Fernando Torres. Liverpool had earlier turned down a 40-million-pound offer for 26-year-old Fernando Torres.

According to The Sun, Anfield club bosses made it clear they would not welcome any further approaches for their World Cup-winning star.

But that will not deter Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich from stepping up the pursuit of his top target this summer.

A top Stamford Bridge source said: "It's true Liverpool have knocked back the first bid of 40 m pound but it's highly unlikely that will be the end to it. Let's see what happens when an offer of £50m lands on Christian Purslow's desk."