Abramovich has stuck by the 28-year-old for all the 26 months since the striker joined the club from Liverpool.

But the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has now conceded that the time has come to cut his losses on the Spaniard.

Last night, a source close to Abramovich told the Daily Express: "Roman will now sell Torres – if he can get the right offer."

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala has been strongly linked with a move for the striker.