So with the Andy Carroll to Liverpool transfer confirmed by both Liverpool and Newcastle United, one of the key dominoes in the Fernando Torres to Chelsea deal has fallen. Although Newcastle initially rejected a stratospheric bid of £35M plus, Carroll submitted a transfer request and the club was 'reluctantly' forced to accept the offer, which means that Liverpool have just destroyed the British transfer record for a striker who has played in the Premier League for less than six months and hasn't played in a match for December. What does this mean for Chelsea's bid for Fernando Torres, though?
Torres to Chelsea deal almost done. Player waiting to get permission from Lpol to travel to London to pass medical
Guillem Balague
GuillemBalague
Guillem was the reporter who initially broke the story that Torres wanted out of Anfield, and he's been pretty conclusively vindicated despite suffering serious abuse for it - if there's anyone to trust on this news, it's him.
So, Fernando Torres is not, contrary to previous reports, on the way to London just yet, but the deal is right around the corner, with Chelsea offering around £50M (in cash), thus shattering the British transfer window again within hours of the Carroll transfer. Realistically, Carroll moving to Liverpool means that Torres is now a mortal lock to leave Anfield.
Torres will be released for his medical as soon as Chelsea and Liverpool agree on a fee, which is supposed to be impending, and even if Liverpool's feet are scuffling, they're a little bit stuck now that they've spent the Torres money in advance. My understanding is that a successful medical would be the last step in the transfer. Is Torres coming to Chelsea? Well, we can't say that for sure. But it's certainly highly probable.