Rafa Benitez Says Liverpool Will Not Sell Fernando Torres to Manchester City

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has angrily refuted suggestions that the Reds might sell Fernando Torres to Manchester City this summer.

The Citizens were linked with a £60 million offer for the Spain striker in reports which emerged this week.

However, Benitez claims to find the idea absurd, especially as the player has never expressed any desire to leave the club.

“We have said repeatedly that Fernando is not for sale and he still has three years of his contract remaining,” Benítez told reporters.

“So how can they sign a player who does not wish to leave?”

City boss Roberto Mancini was himself coy on the rumors linking his club with the player, although he acknowledged that Torres was one of the world's top players.

He also hinted that City would be prepared to splash yet more money in the close season as they look to build a team that can mount a serious challenge for the title.

“I think we must buy a top player,” he said. “We must make sure we don’t spend too much on normal players, but if there is the possibility to spend the money on top players, young players who can help us build a future, I think it is OK [to spend big].

“I don’t like to waste money because I have respect for the club and the owners, but if we need a player [we will spend].

"If we want to win the Premier League ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United, I think we must sign some important players.

“Every year the club has improved and we want to do the same again. Sometimes you don’t have to buy 15 players and you can buy three or four important players. Next season we want to play to win the Premier League.”