LONDON (DF) -- Chelsea supremo Roman Abromovich is reportedly considering asking his associates to ask Liverpool for a £50 million refund after a string of pedestrian performances have left his British transfer record signing Fernando Torres marginalized at the club.
The Chelsea boss, along with many at the club, including manager Carlo Ancelotti, feel they were "duped" into paying an exorbitant sum for a player who is clearly not on par with the media's hype or his hefty price tag.
"It's nothing personal," said a Chelsea spokesperson speaking in a condition of anonymity. "He doesn't look the part in training and everyone can see he certainly doesn't look the part on the pitch. We all thought we had found the final piece of the puzzle, but we've been left scratching our heads because it doesn't seem to fit."
Chelsea supporters have echoed concerns from the club over Torres. Many feel let down after the euphoria that surrounded his arrival at the end of the January transfer window.
"It's disheartening, to say the least," lamented one Chelsea supporter outside of Stamford Bridge. "He can't play in the same team as Anelka and Drogba. I was expecting a younger, better-in-the-air version of [David] Villa. All I see is Stuart Larkin."
Spanish media outlet Brumoso Periódico have quoted a Torres associate in Madrid as saying the former Atlético striker would "welcome a dream move" back to Liverpool should slumping Chelsea fail to secure a UEFA Champions League place for next season.
The Chelsea spokesman continued, pressing a refund would be in the best interest of all parties concerned. "We feel very strongly that when Liverpool realize what £30 million has bought them from the northeast as cover, they'll come around to the idea of having Fernando back."
"To break it down simply, it's just a clash of colors. It doesn't feel right. He looks better in red than he does in blue."
