Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has hinted that he is keen for the Blues to up their offer for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
The Premier League champions are reportedly set to further test Liverpool's resolve by lanching a fresh £40million bid for the Spain international, with the end of the January transfer window on the horizon.
The Anfield club turned down Chelsea's £35million bid late on Thursday night and then told the player they expect him to honour his long-term contract.
However, just hours after the Reds concluded a deal with Ajax for their Uruguay forward Luiz Suarez, Torres handed in a written transfer request which was rejected by the Merseysiders.
Midfielder Lampard admits any player of Torres' calibre would be 'very welcome' at Stamford Bridge.
"Players of a top, top level and world-class players will always help your squad," Lampard said.
"It remains to be seen what happens with the club - who they bring in and who the manager wants to bring in - but they'll always be very welcome from us."
The January window will slam shut at 11pm on Monday evening and the debate over star striker Torres' future is sure to continue until his future is decided.
