The Fernando Torres-Liverpool deal is being sewn up as we speak, according to the Guardian. The Atletico striker cut short his vacation in Polynesia to head to Liverpool to complete a medical exam, which he passed. The Atletico striker will now join Liverpool for $53 million, pending issuance of a work permit. Luis Garcia has already made way in joining Atletico for $8 million, although The Guardian says striker Craig Bellamy will also be on his way out of Anfield. Insiders say the 23-year-old Torres will sign a four-year deal with the Reds worth $180,000 per week. Torres will be the 10th Spaniard signed by Liverpool’s Spanish manager, Rafael Benitez.
In other transfer news, Chelsea utility man Geremi completed a move to Sam Allardyce’s Newcastle United. “It’s a great move for me. This is a big club and a great club, with passionate fans and I look forward to playing for them,” the Cameroon international said. Geremi can play right back or anywhere in midfield. He arrives at St. James’ Park on a free transfer.
Elsewhere, AC Milan has once again told Real Madrid to keep its hands off Kaka. On Monday, Adriano Galliani said, “I’ve asked [Real’s] Pedrag Mijatovic to drop this business about Kaka … [he] will absolutely be staying in Milan.” Meanwhile, Real president Ramon Calderon says the club is looking to add Roma’s Christian Chivu to its defensive line, although Inter Milan and Barcelona have also expressed interest. Calderon also confirmed the club’s pursuit of Lyon’s Florent Malouda and Chelsea’s Arjen Robben. He said that Emerson and Antonio Cassano are likely to depart the Bernabeu this summer.