Fernando Torres Has Been Wanting To Leave Liverpool For Over A Year

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has reportedly wanted to make a move to Chelsea for over a year.

The Reds recently rejected a bid from the west London club - thought to be in the region of £35 million - to acquire the services of the Spaniard.

Goal.com UK has since exclusively revealed that the Merseysiders have asked for Nicolas Anelka to be thrown in as part of a £50m move that would see the former Atletico Madrid man switch allegiances from Anfield to Stamford Bridge.

Now The News of the World claims that the World Cup winner has harboured hopes of a move away from his current club since December, 2009.

The Blues are reported to have made a £25m approach last summer after Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League, but nothing came of it then.

However, it is thought that things have changed now since their absence from Europe's top club competition could stretch by another year owing to an underwhelming campaign so far.

According to The Mirror, the Spain international also informed his skipper Steven Gerrard of his desire to leave the club, prior to handing in a transfer request.

Torres has scored nine goals in 23 Premier League appearances for Liverpool this season.