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Chelsea transfer news: AC Milan target Fernando Torres left out of Blues squad to face Leicester City

Blues man may be set for the exit as Balotelli's Liverpool move is tied up

Samuel Stevens
Saturday 23 August 2014 15:31 BST
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Fernando Torres has not scored in 266 minutes of pre-season for Chelsea
Fernando Torres has not scored in 266 minutes of pre-season for Chelsea

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres could be set for the exit at Stamford Bridge after being dropped from the Blues squad to face Leicester City.

The Spaniard was an unused substitute during the impressive 3-1 victory over newly-promoted Burnley on Monday.

Diego Costa, who was signed this summer, replaced Torres in the starting line-up and immediately made his mark with a fine strike in the 17th minute.

AC Milan are searching for a new striker as Mario Balotelli's £16m switch to Liverpool nears completion.

The former Manchester City forward was in England last night to undergo a medical and apply the final touches to a contract that will see him earn £90,000-a-week pre-tax.

Milan, who finished eighth in Serie A last term, are also said to be considering moves for Javier Hernandez, Roberto Soldado, Jackson Martinez, Mattia Destro and Luis Muriel in the hope that one may join before the window closes.

Running with the headline 'Mario arrives in red, celebration at Liverpool', the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta Dello Sport appears certain the deal is only a matter of time.

Torres has scored just 45 times in a Blues shirt, despite appearing 172 times, and may fancy the warmer climate in Milan.

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