Manchester City are ready to make Liverpool ace Fernando Torres the Premiership's first £200,000-a-week player. The Mirror says representatives of the Premiership club's Abu Dhabi owners have made discreet contact with the Liverpool striker's advisors within the last fortnight.

And while there has been no official approach or a formal offer, it is understood the Spaniard's agents have had the prospect of an incredible deal spelt out to them in no uncertain terms.

Sources in Spain, where the player's advisors - the management group Bay International - are based, suggest that the oil rich owners of City would happily more than DOUBLE the striker's salary to get their man.

And while Torres has made it clear that he would not be interested in any offer at any price, it is still a sobering reflection of just how powerful City could become in the market.

Torres has discreetly sent word back that he is happy at Liverpool, and wouldn't consider the move, not matter how much money he is offered.