A Chelsea bid for Fernando Torres has been rejected by Chelsea © PA Photos Enlarge

Liverpool have rejected a bid from Chelsea for star striker Fernando Torres, the club have confirmed.

The offer from the Premier League champions, believed to be in the region of £35 million, was flatly refused by the Merseyside club - who made it clear they have no desire to sell the 26-year-old.

"Chelsea have made a bid for Fernando which has been turned down," a Liverpool spokesman told The Times. "The player is not for sale."

Torres is known to have long been a target for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who will now have to decide whether or not to return with an improved offer before the transfer window closes.

Torres has scored 65 goals in 102 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, but this season the Spaniard has struggled with his form in the wake of a demanding World Cup campaign and the doomed reign of former manager Roy Hodgson.

Prior to Hodgson's dismissal and the return of Kenny Dalglish, it was reported that both Torres and goalkeeper Jose Reina were seriously considering their futures at Anfield, with the club struggling to pull decisively clear of the relegation zone.

However, his performances have improved alongside an upturn in Liverpool's results, and the club have shown their determination to secure the future of the man who joined the club from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2007.

Torres has played in 23 Premier League games this season, scoring nine goals.

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