Brendan Rodgers told Chelsea to sign Torres five years ago

Chelsea could have saved millions of pounds on Fernando Torres - if they'd only listened to the advice of Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Welshman spent five years on the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge and returned from a 2006 scouting mission in Spain raving about the then Atletico Madrid hitman.

"I think he was captain at the time. He was outstanding, a real catalyst for that side,” remembers Rodgers, who takes his new side back to his old stamping ground this afternoon.

“I’ve seen him for a number of years now, he’s one of the world’s best strikers. He has obviously had trouble with injury, which has affected his form, but you saw last week, just what a talent he is. He scored a great goal and the miss was something that he will want to put right as soon as possible.”