Torres if leaves Liverpool will become world's most expensive footballer

London, Jan 3 (ANI): Liverpool ace striker Fernando Torres will become the world's most expensive footballer if he leaves the club during the summer transfer.

It would require the biggest financial package in football history to secure a deal to get Torres.

Manchester City and Chelsea have made Torres their number one target, but would have to splash out more than 140 million pound in transfer fees and wages to land the Spanish superstar, News of the World reports.

Not only has Torres' value eclipsed the 80 million pounds Real Madrid paid for Cristiano Ronaldo, he can anticipate a salary offer of around 15 million pounds a year given the current inflated levels for the most wanted players.

City offered Brazilian Kaka a staggering 280 k pound a week in their ill-fated bid a year ago, and Torres would comfortably match that.

Liverpool have made it clear they won't listen to any offers for their star striker and manager Rafa Benitez recently insisted he'd resign if the player was sold against his will.

But Liverpool also know matters will be out of their hands unless the club attracts investment and finish in the top four, the paper reports.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has also been pursing Torres for the last two seasons and believes Liverpool will be more vulnerable than ever unless Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr get out of the Merseyside club. (ANI)