LFC RUMOURMILL: Torres, Alonso and Crouch linked with exit

May 26 2008 By Gossip Monger

THE KOP'S new hero, Fernando Torres, will become a summer target for managerless Chelsea, The Daily Mail has claimed today.

According to the paper, whoever takes over from the recently-sacked Avram Grant will be told in no uncertain terms, to try and sign Torres.

The Daily Mail reports that Roman Abramovich has given Peter Kenyon permission to bid the same amount of money as the Russian offered Arsenal for their striker Thierry Henry when he first took ownership of the west London club.

It is understood that, despite the sacking of Avram Grant, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy will continue to pursue the players identified by the Israeli as top priority. Torres is one of those individuals.

An insider is quoted as saying: "There is a desire among certain people at Liverpool to sell at the right price.

"It's just a case of whether they have the nerve to incur the wrath of the Liverpool fans."

The Mail goes on to claim that £50million will be offered for Torres, who is being targetted alongside Kaka.

GOSSIP RATING: No stars - why would Rafael Benitez want to sell his star striker to one of his closest rivals?

RESPECTED American "soccer blog" The Other Football has listed a host of clubs it has heard are after the services of John Arne Risse.

It says Newcastle United and Schalke were already linked with the Norwegian, but now a few Spanish teams might want him too.

Riise is said to be on the want list for both Atletico Madrid and Villareal.

GOSSIP RATING: 4 stars - Riise would love to stay at Anfield but knows the manager is trying to sign players to replace him. Looks like he might have plenty of options.

SEVERAL blogs have picked up on quotes from Blackburn winger David Bentley to refresh rumours that he could be on his way to Anfield.

In The News of the World, he was quotes as saing he may have to leave Ewood Park in order to take his England career to the next level.

The former Arsenal youngster has been strongly linked with Liverpool after an impressive season for Rovers and insists there is more to come from him as soon as he fully breaks through on the international stage.

And Bentley has also told David Beckham that he wants his shirt with the LA Galaxy veteran nearing the end of his career.

"I play week in and out in the Premier League," Bentley told the News of the World. "I'm told my name is being touted around by the bigger teams.

"I've played for England and I live a great life. But I've done nothing yet. I've won nothing. I haven't competed in an international competition for England, let alone, say, a UEFA Champions League final."

Bentley then appeared to suggest his ambitions might not be fulfilled if he stays on at Blackburn.

He added: "People may respect what I have done with Blackburn and I'm thankful for that. But, believe me, there is a lot more to come.

"I want to be judged alongside the best in the big games that really matter for both club and country.

"Success not money drives me on. I'm still waiting for my international career to take off. That means, I suppose, replacing David Beckham on the right wing."

GOSSIP RATING: Two stars - a player who would fit the bill at Anfield, but other options are also under consideration as Rafael Benitez weighs up his spending power in this summer's transfer market

THE PEOPLE has taken the Bentley story a stage further, claiming that Liverpool will offer £15 million for Bentley - and £10 million for Wigan’s Luis Antonio Valencia.

The paper also claims Peter Crouch has agreed personal terms with Portsmouth and Liverpool will accept a deal rising to £12million

GOSSIP RATING: Three stars - Benitez will be looking to boost his transfer war-chest and Crouch is one of those to be sacrificed with Pompey's Harry Redknapp a known admirer.

ITALIAN media is reporting that Juventus are prepared to pay £14million for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The reports come days after Alosono was reported as saying he was happy to stay at Liverpool.

But Juventus, apparently, play to make a point of offering him more regular first-team chances.

GOSSIP RATING: Three stars - Liverpool want £16m for the Spaniard, but the gap is closing