Roberto Mancini set to fight Chelsea over Fernando Torres

Roberto Mancini might not be finished in the transfer market as he eyes Fernando Torres
Andrew Hodgson11 April 2012

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini today started a potential battle with Chelsea over Fernando Torres after revealing his interest in the striker.

Both clubs have been linked with the Liverpool forward but the Italian has now confirmed he wants to sign the Spain international, providing the price is right and he can persuade him to move.

Mancini's comments came 24 hours after Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson admitted Torres had a "beef" with the club. The striker signed a new £110,000-a-week contract last year but it is thought he feels let down over a lack of investment in new players.

If Torres pushes to leave, Liverpool may reluctantly agree to sell at around £70million, almost three times the amount they paid in 2007.

That could spark a bidding battle between Roman Abramovich's Chelsea and City, bankrolled by their billionaire Abu Dhabi owners.

Mancini has already splashed out £80m this summer on Jerome Boateng, Aleksandar Kolarov, Yaya Toure and David Silva and, with James Milner also on his radar, is willing to spend more.

The City boss said: "Torres is one of the best strikers in Europe and is already playing in the Premier League for three years and knows it very well. But it depends on his situation — his price and whether he wants to come. There are two or three strikers that we could go for but it is the same situation as it is with James Milner at Aston Villa. First there is the price and then it depends if the players want to change team. Until today, Liverpool haven't bought many players."

Mancini insists the club will not be held to ransom.

"When Manchester City enquire about a £10m player, the club ask for £20m. That is not good for us," said Mancini. "James is still a player who interests us but only at the right price."

Mancini was talking after City slipped to their second defeat on their US tour, losing 2-1 against the New York Red Bulls.

City's side featured a number of youngsters alongside some familiar names in Wayne Bridge, Emmanuel Adebayor and Stephen Ireland.

Bridge's future at City is in doubt following the arrival of Kolarov from Lazio and the England international didn't help his cause when he was easily beaten by Dane Richards, who crossed for Macoumba Kandji to fire home. City levelled when Greg Cunningham's cross was converted by Jo only for Richards to strike from long range.

Bridge joined City for £10m early last year after growing frustrated at a lack of opportunities at Chelsea.

Ashley Cole, the player who kept him out of the Blues XI, started pre-season training at the club's Cobham base today after returning from holiday.

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