Mario Balotelli has emerged as a potential transfer target for Chelsea as their interest in Fernando Torres begins to wane.

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The Liverpool striker appeared to be top of the Londoners' shopping list but have been put off by the £50m asking price for a player seemingly best with injuries.

Although manager Carlo Ancelotti  has stated that he is not in the market for a forward, his comments look to have been something of a smokescreen as the club tabled a £15m bid for Santos' striker Neymar earlier this week which was rejected by the Brazilian club.

Balotelli has been a target for both Manchester City and Manchester United but Ancelotti feels that his compatriot would prefer to join him at Stamford Bridge as they are familiar with each other from their time in Serie A.

The Inter Milan youngster would command a fee of around £25m which would prove a slight gamble with the player known for his petulance and inconsistency.