Chelsea must wait to sign Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun until the Reds appoint a new manager.

The Mirror says Yossi Benayoun has also been linked with a £5.5million move to Stamford Bridge, amid suggestions that the player has already agreed a £75,000 a week contract.

But a spokesman for the Anfield club said last night that no offer had been received from any club for any of its players.

And officials were adamant that even if Chelsea do bid for Torres it will be turned down flat, with Liverpool determined to keep hold of their prized assets.