体坛英语新闻：Chelsea set to sign Liverpool's Torres

LONDON, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Chelsea agreed an expensive transfer fee for Liverpool's Fernando Torres according to local media report on Monday.

British media say Chelsea will pay about 50 million pounds (79. 5 million US dollars) for Torres, which counted as the most expensive transfer in England.

A Liverpool statement says the Spain striker "has now been given permission to speak to the London club."

Liverpool's Fernando Torres celebrates after scoring his second goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England, in this November 7, 2010 file photo. Chelsea on January 31, 2011 agreed a fee with Premier League rivals Liverpool to sign Spain striker Torres. The transfer fee will be a British record of around 50 million pounds (80.21 million U.S. dollars), according to media reports.

Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez is widely recognized as being the most expensive player in British football after moving from Man. United for about 47 million pounds in 2009.

Liverpool look set to replace Torres, who has spent three and half years at Liverpool after his move from Atletico Madrid, with Newcastle striker Andy Carroll and Ajax forward Luis Suarez on the final day of Europe's January transfer window.