THE BEST SOCCER PLAYERS

Liverpool have confirmed they have agreed the sale of Fernando Torres to Premier League rivals Chelsea. It is understood Chelsea's offer is £45 million and the striker will now hold talks with the Blues as he seeks to finalise a deal before the transfer window closes. A statement read: "Liverpool Football Club tonight confirmed they have agreed a fee with Chelsea for the sale of Fernando Torres. The player has now been given permission to speak to the London club." Torres joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2007 and has scored 65 goals in 102 Premier League games. Liverpool have moved to compensate for the loss of Torres by agreeing a £35 million deal for Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll. The club are also hopeful of signing Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam, while Stephen Warnock has been linked with a return to Anfield on loan. Chelsea, meanwhile, are working hard to sign Benfica defender David Luiz before the transfer window closes.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres fears a lengthy spell in the Premier League could result in chronic long-term injuries. Torres is currently ruled out for the season with a reoccurring knee problem that has also limited him to just 22 appearances this season, although he has still scored 18 goals. The Spanish international, who expects to be fit in time for the World Cup, is concerned at the physical toll of the English top-flight and is amazed that players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have performed at such a high level for so long. "The Premier League is such a tough competition and I have always admired this championship and the players who are here," Torres told the News of the World. "This is my third season and I'm still amazed to see Gerrard, Rooney and Lampard, players who have been here a long time, still playing at such a high level and with such impressive rhythm because the English league really wears down a player. "I just can