Rafael Benitez boasts of 'priceless' Fernando Torres.(October 05, 2008)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has said that striker Fernando Torres was a steal compared to the £30.75 million Manchester United spent on Dimitar Berbatov.

Torres cost the club almost £10 million less than Berbatov cost United when he joined Liverpool just over a year ago, and received immediate reward with the Spaniard scoring 33 goals in his first season.

His two goals against Everton last week left Benitez laughing-off a proposed £50 million swoop from Manchester City for the 24-year-old who Benitez claims he would not swap for any other striker in the world.

"He [Torres] was a big price but we knew we were signing a young player who could improve. His value is higher now. He was a good signing in every sense.

"I would not want to swap Fernando for anyone else in the world because he is my player and I'm very pleased with him.

"There are good players in Europe and all the way around the world, but better than Torres - no."

The Abu Dhabi United Group suggested Torres may become a target, but their interest has been met with Benitez's warning that his striker is "unbuyable" no matter how much cash City's new owners throw in his direction.

"I do not want to put a price on him because people will think I want to sell him and that is not the case so I will not say any price. I am sure all the players have a value but not Torres. He is priceless to us."

Benitez has so much faith in Torres that he has recently predicted that he will match the brilliance of Thierry Henry.

"Henry was good at playing wide and beating players. He is very clever. Torres is very clever too - but he is still young. He will get better."

Building on his side's strong start to the campaign, Benitez is already planning for the January transfer window. He is optimistic of finally landing long-term target Antonio Valencia from Wigan.

Steve Bruce has so far managed to fend off interest in the 23-year-old Ecuadorian but Benitez is reported to be preparing a £10 million offer that would also include Jermaine Pennant heading to the JJB Stadium.

Valencia, who has also been watched by Manchester United, is attractive as he would be eligible for the Champions League.

From : www.telegraph.co.uk