LIVERPOOL’s credibility as a big club is being questioned by Chelsea’s attempt to sign Fernando Torres. If the Spaniard goes to Stamford Bridge the Merseysiders may get a sackful of cash. But the Merseysiders need quality not money to halt their decline.

Ironically, down the road at Old Trafford Sir Alex Ferguson must decide whether to not to leave out Wayne Rooney and stick with Javier Hernandez against Aston Villa on Tuesday. But don’t make the mistake of thinking Manchester United should have cashed in on Rooney – he is not scoring goals but it is only a matter of time.

Did Manchster City lose their nerve when Carlos Tevez said he wanted to leave? Of course not. Top teams do not let their best players move on unless they have someone better they want to bring in.

And that is the key. If Liverpool can swap Torres for Didier Drogba or sign another star striker then go ahead. But with 48 hours to go to the transfer deadline Liverpool and Torres are on the verge of seeing their season go from bad to worse.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are clutching at straws in a desperate attempt to paper over the cracks in their ageing team.

– BY JOHN GUBBA

Remember when Liverpool used to be one of the top teams . . .

UPDATE: Torres completes transfer to Chelsea . .