Bookmakers Paddy Power have suspended betting on Fernando Torres joining Chelsea after there was a flurry of bets on Torres heading to Stamford Bridge.

The Irish firm report a major gamble on Torres swapping Merseyside for London and after taking bets at 10/1 and 6/1 they have suspended betting.

“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.”

Sky Bet have also slashed their odds on Torres joining Chelsea to 1/3 from 2/1, following a similar surge of support.

Although its not a clear indication that Torres will leave or not as last year betting was suspended on Frank Ribery joining Liverpool and Liverpool ended up spending a net sum of zero pound in the market.

But only weeks ago betting was suspended a day before Joe Cole rather surprisingly signed for Liverpool.

Source: BettingPro