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General Sports News

Reds reject bids for Torres

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 13/07/2009

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that he has turned down 'big offers' for star striker Fernando Torres this summer.

The Spain striker has signed a new long-term contract with the Reds since the last campaign ended, but that has not stopped him being linked with moves to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

However, Benitez has no intention of weakening a squad which came close to winning the Premier League last season by selling a player who has scored 50 goals during two seasons at Anfield.

Elsewhere, John Terry is reported to have asked Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich for permission to speak to Manchester City following showdown talks on Saturday.

Terry and Abramovich are believed to have held two-hour talks over his future at Stamford Bridge in which he did not submit a formal transfer request but asked for permission to speak to City.

Chelsea are desperate to keep hold of the their captain and have rejected two bids in the region of £30million in recent weeks.

But the England captain is reportedly keen to talk to the ambitious Eastlands club, who are willing to pay him £200,000 a week in wages.

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Meanwhile, Frank Arnesen has stepped up to become Chelsea's new sporting director from his role as the club's chief scout and director of youth development.

Bolton Wanderers have completed the signing of Paul Robinson following a protracted pursuit of the West Bromwich Albion defender.

The 30-year-old has now joined the Trotters on a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer.

The two clubs had been unable to agree a fee for the long-serving defender, who was keen to remain in the Premier League following the Baggies' relegation last season

In cricket, Paul Collingwood has urged England's batsmen to take responsibility ahead of what promises to be a difficult final day of the first Ashes Test.

England must bat out the day to avoid losing the series opener in Cardiff after being reduced to 20-2 in their second innings before rain halted play at tea on day four.

"The batsmen must take responsibility - that means seeing the job through yourself and not relying on others," said Collingwood, with Australia installed as the runaway sportsbook favourites to take the series opener.

"I'm sure there'll be a lot of pressure but we've got the men to do it."

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