Mancini wants Torres at Man City

Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, has expressed interest in signing Fernando Torres if he can negotiate a good price. Roy Hodgson, the new Liverpool boss has said that Torres is not happy with the club, but a move to City would depend on what the player wants. Mancini said, "Torres is one of the best strikers in Europe and is already playing in the Premier League for three years and knows it very well, but it depends on his situation - his price and whether he wants to come."

It has been reported that Liverpool have valued Torres at £70 and there have also been rumours that Chelsea are interested in buying him. Torres’ last game was the World Cup final, where he ended the game limping off in extra time due to a groin injury just after he helped Andres Iniesta score the side’s winning goal. However, he is expected to be ready to start the new season, Liverpool are playing Arsenal on 15th August and Manchester City are playing Tottenham a day earlier.

Torres moved to Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2007, he renewed his contract with Liverpool last year, however, it is reported that he feels let down by the club because they have broken promises about investing in new players. Hodgson has said that he would like to keep him, but, "Unfortunately, I cannot do much more. His beef is with the club and not me."

Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish told BBC Sport that he hoped that the installation of Hodgson’s at the club would persuade Torres to stay. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has said that he wants to stay and Joe Cole is joining from Chelsea which could also affect Torres’ decision. Dalglish said to BBC Radio 5 Live Sportsweek programme, "I hope Torres stays. Only Fernando knows what he is going to do. Unfortunately for him he is injured but he is a fantastic player and is very happy around the club and the city. The fact that Stevie is staying will be a great help and players like Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Jonjo Shelvey and Danny Wilson mean there is buying for present and the future."

According to Mancini there are another two or three strikers he is interested in, including Aston Villa’s James Milner. However, Mancini is very weary of being overcharged, "When Manchester City enquires about a £10m player, the club asks for £20m. That is not good for us," stated Mancini. James is still a player who interests us but only at the right price."