Chelsea have reportedly launched an audacious £85million (€107million) bid for Liverpool’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres.

Torres, who just sealed the EURO 2008 Championship for La Furia Roja with the only goal in the Final to beat Germany 1-0, is apparently the number-one target for Chelsea’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.

According to The Daily Star, Abramovich was present at the EURO 2008 Final, and was impressed enough by the Spaniard's performance to make Torres is his main transfer target in this summer’s transfer window.

Chelsea have already had an offer of £49million (€62m) dismissed out-of-hand by Liverpool, and despite the astronomical transfer figures being bandied around, it seems Chelsea will face a struggle to secure the transfer of the 24-year-old Spaniard, with Torres having recently stated his huge admiration for both Liverpool and it's supporters.

The offer of £49million is almost double the original estimated £27milion fee paid by Liverpool to Atletico Madrid last summer, but Torres is adamant that he is happy at the club and has no thoughts on moving anywhere.

The 24-year-old moved to Anfield last summer in a club record deal from Atlético Madrid, going on to become the Reds highest goal-scorer for the season, plus also setting new record for a foreign striker in his debut Premiership campaign.

Torres, who scored 33 goals including 24 in the Premier League in the 2007-08 campaign, has stated that he has no wish to leave Liverpool, and only wants to win more silverware under Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

"It is a dream come true and now we have a place in European history, so it is very special,” said Torres in an interview with The Daily Mail, soon after Spain secured their first major trophy in 44 years.

"It is my first major title but I hope it will be the first of many because I want to win many more titles with Liverpool and Spain.

"I would like to thank the staff and players at Liverpool for their support during Euro 2008 because it makes a real difference when you know you have the backing of the people of your club. Because of this they share in our success.

"I have had a wonderful first season at Anfield and the goals I scored for Liverpool gave me the confidence and belief I needed for the Euros. Again, I would like to thank Rafa and his staff because I have improved as a player thanks to them.

"But it isn't just the people at the club who have helped me, it is also the supporters and the people of the city.

"From the moment I first came to Liverpool I have been made to feel welcome and that is why I am able to enjoy my football so much.

"It is incredible because the Liverpool fans have given me so much support and I know that they have even been supporting Spain. This is something I will never forget and I thank everyone for that.

"Now I am looking forward to competing for trophies with the Reds because I know that means so much to the club and the fans."