Fernando Torres Hands in Transfer Request

Kenny Dalglish's Second Coming may already be repairing Liverpool's damaged reputation but even his powers of persuasion cannot convince Fernando Torres to be part of a new era at Anfield.

Torres had appeared reborn since the return of Dalglish but perhaps the years of underachievement have taken its toll on the Spain international and his departure is looking ever more likely before Monday's transfer deadline.

After a substantial bid from Chelsea was rejected on Thursday, Torres has now taken matters into his own hands and submitted a written transfer request. It has, of course, been turned down by Liverpool but the wheels are now in motion and this will not be the end of the matter.

Much may have changed in the game since Dalglish last operated at Anfield two decades ago but nothing has altered when an unhappy player starts banging down the door demanding to leave.

It is a familiar chain of events in the land of cash and controversy and despite the protestations of Liverpool and their owners, they will surely now be preparing for the rest of the season without El Nino