With Wayne Rooney apparently odds-on with various bookmakers to join Chelsea from Manchester United
before the summer window is out, the latest edition of our transfer
battle wonders what the arrival of Wayne Rooney will mean for Fernando Torres's future at Stamford Bridge?
WAYNE ROONEY
Date of birth: 24 October, 1985
Place of birth: Liverpool
Nationality: English
Height: 1.76m
Position: Striker
Current club: Manchester United
Former clubs: Everton
Value: £50-60 million
Born in Liverpool and nicknamed 'Wazza', Rooney made his name as a teenage star with his boyhood club Everton before he was purchased by Manchester United in a record-busting £25.6 million deal when the forward was only 18.
Has been one of European football's most prominent players over the past nine years with United and England. Buried one of the Premier League's landmark goals against Arsenal at Goodison Park in 2002 to outline his skills as a special player.
Has netted 141 goals in 278 appearances with United, and apparently rakes in the third highest salary in world football behind Messi and Ronaldo. Almost quit United in 2010 after being unsettled, but his seems like his second bout of unhappiness in three years is going to see him leave the club. Much of it with David Moyes's blessing judging the new United manager's weekend comments.
What would he bring to Chelsea? It's more a case of what would he not bring to Chelsea, if you listen to Mourinho's gushing admiration of the England forward.
Mourinho admits Chelsea are pinning all their hopes on landing Rooney as their blue-chip signing of the summer, and it looks like they might just make it if the price is right. Rooney has it all when he is in the mood. Pace, power and goals, but he can also do a job sitting deep.
Would be a key move for the England national team ahead of key World Cup qualifiers with Rooney likely to be first choice pick at Chelsea rather than back-up to Robin van Persie, a comment that Roo has apparently taken great offence to.
The Premier League becomes more like a living version of the Football Manager video game with every passing year.
What they say about him: "His basic ability is as good as the players you talk about. He has to be regarded at the highest level, along with all the other players we know about." Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson compares Rooney to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after the forward struck twice in a 3-2 win at AC Milan in March 2010.
FERNANDO TORRES
Date of birth: 20 March, 1984
Place of birth: Fuenlabrada
Nationality: Spanish
Height: 1.83m
Position: Striker
Current club: Chelsea
Former clubs: Atletico Madrid, Liverpool
Value: £20-25 million
For whatever reason, Torres does not seem to be the same player since the 2010 World Cup finals.
Liverpool signed the forward for £21.5 million from Atletico Madrid in 2007, and he did not disappoint as 33 goals in his first season at Anfield made him a huge favourite. Continued to keep up a prolific rate until injuries in the 2009/10 season seemed to drain him of confidence and pace.
Despite Spain's success at the 2010 World Cup, Torres suffered an injury in the final. His woes continued under Roy Hodgson before Chelsea purchased him for £50 million in January, 2011 - a transfer that made him the fourth most expensive player in history.
Has hinted at a return to former glories in recent times winning the Golden Boot as Spain won Euro 2012, but it remains to be seen if Jose Mourinho will continue to show faith in the forward.
What would he bring to Chelsea (under Mourinho)? According to Rafael Benitez, Chelsea 'interim one' of last season, Torries will bring a new-found confidence, increased upper body strength, pace and goals. Certainly looked brighter during the Confederations Cup, but will there be room at the inn if Rooney arrives? Only Mourinho can decide what will become of Fernando, but he did promise to him a chance to state his case.
What they say about him? "It’s more difficult for him now than when we signed him for Liverpool from Atletico Madrid because centre-backs know him more and are used to his game. But he’s coming back to his level and his contribution to the team is bigger and bigger with every game. So it doesn’t concern me that it will go when I leave Chelsea. Fernando is a good professional and now he understands what he has to do.” Outgoing coach Rafael Benitez on Torres' form at Chelsea last season
Total overall points: Rooney 59 points out of 80 ---- Torres 57 points out of 80
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