Chelsea Testing Liverpool's Resolve

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Two weeks ago, I questioned Roman Abramovic's stance over transfers, with little world class talent coming in and the likes of Michael Ballack departing, but it seems the Chelsea owner has finally seen the light, that they need some younger players if they are to succeed in his much wanted Champions League.

Finally, after 18 months of speculation, Chelsea have bid for Fernando Torres.

The Liverpool striker, 26, had been a fraction of his old self under Roy Hodgson, but now King Kenny has returned, the striker has hit three goals in four league games and looks to be back on song.

El Nino, the kid, has grown up over the last two seasons at Liverpool, firing a better strike rate than Didier Drogba's last season, despite the Ivorian claiming the Premier League golden boot.

Drogba and Torres have an opportunity to better their acquaintance.

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A statement on the BBC's website from a Liverpool FC spokeman said "The player is not for sale."

The offer, which is believed to be in the region of £35-£40 million, follows their last bid, in May, for the hit-man who Carlo Ancelotti would seem a perfect partner for the flourishing Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge.

Torres would offer something different to both of them and I could see them complimenting each other well in the three-pronged attack which Chelsea have become accustomed to.

The big person in this situation is Torres himself, with the club failing to make the Champions League last season and looking unlikely to do so again given their opening period.

Could a player like Torres go two seasons, in the prime of his career, without playing in Europe's best knockout competition? I'd say not.

It could be down to the player whether any movement happens but, with the transfer window looming and closing on Monday night at 10pm, a decision must happen quickly for both parties to sort out their squads.

Torres, of course, would be ineligible for both the FA Cup and the Champions League, having also represented Liverpool in Europe, but his presence in the league alone could see Chelsea push Manchester United to the line, especially with the Champions still to face the current league leaders twice.

That would see Torres face up against Nemanja Vidic again, with the Liverpool striker having won the battle on several previous occasions.

Torres has often left Manchester United, and Nemanja Vidic, flat on their backs when he's played against them.

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The problem, should Torres leave, is what Liverpool could do next.

Obviously, they've been linked with Luis Suarez, who is currently at Ajax, but he, in no way, could replace a World class striker if Liverpool still have ambitions.

On the other side, you wonder whether Torres has fully recovered from his knee injury which he sustained before the World Cup, where he went the entire tournament without scoring.

If that is the case, Liverpool should take £40 million and run but it seems unlikely, given his age, that he is passed his best.

Carlo Ancelotti admitted after the Bolton game that he hoped to agree terms with Brazilian centre back David Luiz soon.

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It would certainly be a statement of intent were the Londoners to come back with an improved offer to accompany David Luiz, who is expected to sign from Benfica, as Abramovic decides whether he would like to make inroads into the transfer market and sent a message of intent to Europe.

Will Torres go to Chelsea? Who would Liverpool sign? Please discuss below.