Torres To Chelsea: Betting Suspended

Posted on 26. Jul, 2010 by Liam Tomkins in News

Just days after betting was suspended on Joe Cole joining Liverpool before a move was completed, bookmakers Paddy Power have closed the market on Fernando Torres’ proposed move to Chelsea. The Spanish striker’s reluctance to commit his future to Liverpool has also led to interest from would-be kings Manchester City. However, after a flurry of bets backing the player to move to London it appears that if he is to leave Anfield, it will be to join bitter rivals Chelsea.

“We re-opened the market on Fernando’s next club due to the speculation and interest from punters following comments from the City boss Roberto Mancini,” said Paddy Power spokesman Roberto Coladangelo.

“However, it became clear today that the punters now believe in the rumours linking the Spaniard to west London, forcing us to reassess the market.”

Radio station Talksport also revealed that they heard on good authority from two reliable sources that a move was imminent.

Chelsea’s interest in Torres has been well documented over the summer and with the player now known to be unhappy with his current club, a big money move could well be on the cards.

With Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka both in the latter stages of their careers, a move for a Torres would ensure Chelsea’s front line is one to be reckoned with for many years to come. It could also pave the way for Roy Hodgson to move for reported targets Klaas Jan Hunterlaar and Diego Forlan. However, even if the Reds were able to capture the aforementioned duo, it would do nothing to ease the excruciating pain of losing your most valuable player to a bitter rival.