Within a matter of hours, the long-running Fernando Torres transfer saga will end. There is the formality of a medical to overcome but then the 23-year-old striker is expected to sign a six-year deal which will see Liverpool capture their record signing for approximately £26.5m. Is it money well spent?

For a young man, the Spaniard is vastly experienced, having latched up almost 250 appearancesand almost a century of goals at his hometown club Atletico Madrid. His move is said to be the first of many that Rafa has lined up. His shopping list also includes the potential signing of Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze, a move that is sure to make the Argentinian defender the darling of visits back to Old Trafford!

Atletico fans can at least console themselves in the knowledge that the man lines up as Torres's replacement, Diego Forlan, scored 54 goals in 106 starts for Villareal - a good return when you consider his lean stint at Old Trafford.

'With Torres aboard, Liverpool may now have extra influence to attract more top-quality world class talent to the club.'


Liverpool fans will be hoping the cash injection from their new American owners will aid them in their bid to return to the very top. Their recent moves in the transfer market are sure to make their fellow top four members sit up and take notice. When you consider that their main rivals are experiencing a far less enjoyable summer (Chelsea seemingly losing the war to keep Frank Lampard happy, Arsenal losing prized asset Thierry Henry), it would be foolish to write off Liverpool as potential title winners - even if they did finish a country mile behind Sir Alex and Joe's men last time around.

Manchester United have at least picked up some talent post-season but nothing quite as significant as Torres. Sir Alex will be aware that his side still need some tinkering if they are to retain their well-deserved title next season.

With Torres aboard, Liverpool may now have extra influence to attract more top-quality world class talent to the club. Samuel Eto'o is a player on most top teams' wish list, and whoever secures his services should he leave Barcelona, will be an outfit to watch out for. I think we can rule Liverpool out of that race now that they have their man.

Benitez will do well to add some more bite to his defence before the big kick-off in August but by finally snaring Fernando the fabulous, they are sending a clear warning to the rest of English football's thoroughbreds  that they are making up ground fast in the race for the Premiership.