New twist in Torres saga

This weekend will be ravaged by the speculations surrounding Fernando Torres and his unsure future on Merseyside.

The latest report say that Liverpool are negotiating with Chelsea over a £50m bid but want Nicolas Anelka included in the deal, instead of earlier reported Daniel Sturridge.

Contrary to Liverpool's public stance that Torres is not for sale, the club is willing to negotiate with the Londoners. 

They fear the negative consequences of keeping a player who has publicly revealed his desire to move on, Goal.com reports.

Torres submitted a written transfer request on Friday night which was rejected by Liverpool. But that has not deterred Chelsea from making a second offer for the Spaniard of £40m in cash plus Daniel Sturridge, the England Under-21 striker.

Read more: Why Liverpool Can Demand £50m for Fernando Torres

With Torres, 26, pushing both clubs to negotiate over a move before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday, Liverpool have asked for Frenchman Anelka, not Sturridge, to be included in the deal to meet their £50m valuation.

Anelka is considered a proven goalscorer who can slot into the Liverpool side immediately and a more suitable partner for Luis Suarez, who is on Merseyside to complete a £22.8m switch from Ajax.

Anelka spent a loan spell at Anfield in the 2001-02 season and could be open to a return as Torres' arrival would cast doubt over the 31-year-old's future at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is determined to complete a deal for the World Cup winner, who he also tried to sign last summer but was rebuffed by the Merseyside club.