Rafa: We have rejected offers for Torres
Fernando Torres joined Liverpool in 2007 from Atletico Madrid
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Sunday, 12, Jul 2009 08:57
Rafael Benitez has revealed Liverpool have rejected big offers for Fernando Torres this summer.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid have been linked with a big-money move for the Spain striker.
But Benitez insists the Reds were not tempted by the money to sell the 25-year-old, who has scored 38 goals in 57 games.
He said: "We have had some very big offers for some of our key players this summer - and that includes Fernando Torres.
"Clubs wanted Fernando and we were contacted by agents working for those clubs.
"But we always knew that when a bid came in we would say 'no'.
"The main thing was that Torres wanted to stay here. People knew the player wanted to stay, but it did not stop clubs trying."
Meanwhile, Benitez added that he considered signing Michael Owen as back-up for Torres.
Owen, who started his career with Liverpool, moved on a free transfer to rivals Manchester United.
Benitez said he backed off because he could not guarantee the 29-year-old regular first-team football.
"We had contact with different people and were analysing the situation," the Spaniard told The People.
"But if you want to play Torres and Gerrard there is not always a lot of space for other players.
"When I brought back Robbie Fowler it was a different situation. We were looking for someone who could understand his role clearly and he was a good finisher.
"But we have a World Cup coming up and all the top players want to play. In his position it would be hard for Owen to play every week at Liverpool."