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Torres has struggled to get into the Chelsea first XI this season. SCOTT HEPPELL/AP/Press Association Images
Going nowhere

Torres won't be sold in January, insists Villas-Boas

The Chelsea boss also responded to complaints made by Frank Lampard, suggesting that he will not be given special treatment despite his reputation.

CHELSEA MANAGER ANDRE Villas-Boas has pledged not to sell striker Fernando Torres during the January transfer window.

Previous reports had indicated that the club were willing to cut their losses and sell the Spanish striker at a significantly reduced price to the €60m fee they paid for him just under a year ago, with ex-club Liverpool rumoured to be among the interested suitors.

However, the Portuguese manager dismissed speculation that Torres was set to leave the club, telling reporters:

“It’s not true, he is not available at any price.

“We are pretty sure when Fernando is called up he will respond with the quality and talent he has. We have to make the best decisions for the team.”

Villas-Boas also responded to recent complaints made by Frank Lampard about being left out of the side, saying:

“There is no hiding that ‘Lamps’ represents the best in the history of the club. These are players of massive magnitude and represent Chelsea’s success but in our opinion every player must be treated equally. Sometimes we can’t please everybody.”

Chelsea rose to third in the Premier League table after earning a hard-fought victory against leaders Man City on Monday.

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