Now it's time for Liverpool to take the money for Torres.

I posted earlier today that he would be doing it and the Official Liverpool website has confirmed that Torres has handed them an official transfer request. The statement on Liverpool's website reads:

"Fernando Torres tonight submitted a written transfer request, which has been rejected by Liverpool. Fernando is under a long-term contract and the Club expects him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement."

So it's official confirmation that he wants out. All those Liverpool fans that have kindly taken the time to post comments on my blog all day about Torres never leaving and don't believe it blah blah blah, now have to face the reality of football and success.

I have nothing against Liverpool. Their fans, the club and the players and I want to state on record that I have no argument about your history.

The fact remains, Fernando Torres realises that he is at a club left in a mess by Rafa Benitez. The squad isn't good enough and a decent man in Roy Hodgson has paid the price for Rafa's free spending on players not good enough for Liverpool and for a side that wants to be challenging for the title.

You have never replaced Xavi Alonso or Javier Mascherano and you have suffered for it. I know I shouldn't say this or have the view but Liverpool should be up there challenging. You put together one almighty challenge a few years ago and finished second and quite a few people believed you would put a realistic challenge together soon after. That never materialised.

Torres wanting to leave makes a real statement. Liverpool rejecting it doesn't make sense. Why would you want to keep a player who is unhappy and let's face it, has been unhappy or at least looked it for 90% of the season so far. If you keep him and put him in the reserves you are missing out on money to rebuild a squad that let's face it, needs a revamp. Suarez will be a fantastic replacement in my view so just let him leave.

I will more than likely be hammered once again on here or shall I say I expect to be. All I ask is that true Liverpool fans who have a footballing brain and a realistic view of what's been going on for a few years now should come forward and understand that in order to challenge you need to take the money and rebuild. With Dalglish there you have a great chance and I also believe dare I say it, Jose Mourinho will be your next manager.

Fernando Torres wants to come to a side that is challenging for honours now, and for honours in every competition possible. Remember, he can play in the Champions League too!.

I honestly hope Liverpool see sense and come to an agreement to sell to Chelsea. Then we can all move on.

For now this will be a blow to Liverpool but for Chelsea, this is exciting times for us once again.

Let's hope we can get the deal done before the window closes!

KTBFFH