Chelsea are convinced they can prise Fernando Torres away from Liverpool before Monday's transfer deadline falls.
Torres has already had a transfer request rejected by Liverpool, but promises made by the previous could come back to haunt them.
The Daily Mail says Chelsea are aware of his restlessness and of a verbal agreement with Liverpool's previous regime that he would be allowed to move on if a reasonable bid was received.
Roman Abramovich made a £28m offer last week and increased it to £35m on Thursday, with the news breaking conveniently just as Liverpool players, already out of the FA Cup, were embarking on a two-day break. Chelsea will return with a third offer before Monday's deadline, with Danny Sturridge included in part exchange.
Liverpool have made it clear they will not negotiate at anything less than £50m. But Abramovich is tempted to go to the asking price because he realises there is only a small window of opportunity when Chelsea are the clear favourites in the race.
Barcelona and Manchester City would both be interested in the summer, which would drive up the price.
