Just when you thought things might be starting to turn a corner in a troubled season at Anfield, the news comes in this morning that Liverpool have rejected a bid from Chelsea for their star striker Fernando Torres.

And you might think that the rejection of the offer is good, as it proves Liverpool haven't become a selling club.

But unfortunately I don't think that is the case. I will be surprised if Torres is at Liverpool in February and even more shocked if he is still there next season.

During his time at Liverpool, Torres must have been subjected to a number of enquiries and offers from various clubs, including Manchester City in the summer, but never one as public as this.

It gives you the sense that despite Liverpool’s insistence that Torres is not for sale – at the right price he actually is.

It was of course them, not Chelsea, that confirmed to the media that a bid had been made and rejected.

And it is not unreasonable to think the motive behind doing so was not to ward off interest from Chelsea, as they could do that over the phone, but to attract the interests of other clubs, like Manchester City. This would of course start a bidding war and ensure they get the right price for the Spanish international.

If that wasn't the motive and Liverpool are determined not to sell Torres then it was a little foolish to go public and they are probably fighting a losing battle anyway.

In a world, which is dominated by player-power you can see the striker pushing through a move. He has already said that he wants to talk to Chelsea as he feels it’s the right move for him.

And he is right. Liverpool's current improvement in form has lifted the club to seventh, but they are still a long way off breaking the top four and getting Champions League football back to Anfield.

On the flip-side Torres is still eligible to play Champions League football this season. So to turn down a move to Chelsea, or City, should they come calling, would be to turn down Champions League football for this year and next.

To do so in the hope that Liverpool's fortunes improve would show a Gerrard-like sense of loyalty, which is largely absent from modern day football.

He may even look at Gerrard's plight, since he turned down that move to Chelsea in 2005.

He may have reached another Champions League final since then and collected an FA Cup medal, but he hasn't won that coveted Premier League trophy and has steadily seen his beloved club go further down hill.

Torres shares some similarities with Gerrard in the fact that top domestic honours have also eluded him. However, he doesn’t share the same links to Liverpool, hasn’t won the Champions League and is 27 next month. As a result you have to think he will be celebrating his birthday as away from Anfield.

Do you agree and think Torres is set to leave Liverpool? Register and leave your comments below.

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