[Chase]

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has told Chelsea to forget about signing Fernando Torres as not even a world record fee would tempt The Reds to sell.

Chelsea were reportedly keen to land the Spaniard and were prepared to break the bank to secure his signature.

But Liverpool fans can breathe easily as Hicks confirmed that no amount of money would see the striker heading to Stamford Bridge.

The Texan told the Liverpool Echo: “There is no price at which we would consider selling Fernando Torres.

“The Chelsea rumours in the media are total rubbish.”

Press speculation had suggested that one of Liverpool’s warring owners was prepared to do business with Roman Abramovich and sell Liverpool’s prize asset.

The club recently announced huge net losses for last year and Chelsea were reportedly hoping to test Liverpool’s resolve to hold on to Torres.

But Hicks insists that despite the obvious divisions that exist at Anfield, the board are united in their determination to keep hold of the Spain international.