Manchester City are today facing up to losing the race to sign top summer target Fernando Torres.

The Blues have been quoted a “hands-off” fee of £100m to sign the Spain striker, as Liverpool’s new manager Roy Hodgson proves he won’t give up his prime asset without a fight.

But City have also received firm indications that Torres wants Champions League football next season and, despite being tempted by City’s record-breaking wage offer, favours Chelsea.

Now City can only hope that Liverpool’s owners decide they want to cash in on the player - regardless of Hodgson’s wishes - that Chelsea refuse to match them in the bidding, and that Torres has a change of heart.

If those three things do not happen, City will switch to Plan B, and renew interest in Wolfsburg hitman Edin Dzeko, Inter Milan’s rising star Mario Balotelli or take advantage of Barcelona's financial plight and go for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.   

Mancini identified Torres as the man he wanted to boost his striking department towards the end of last season, but City soon got the message that the former Atletico Madrid man was intent on playing with the European elite next season.

But rumours emanating from the Spanish camp indicated that Torres had given City glowing references when asked by teammate David Silva, helping the Valencia man to make up his mind to move to Eastlands in a £25m deal.

That re-ignited City’s interest, but Chelsea have also muscled in, and the player is believed to prefer a move to Carlo Ancelotti’s Premier League champions.

Now it seems City face competition from Juventus for Bosnian striker Dzeko, who was top scorer in the Bundesliga last season and has scored 56 goals in 94 games for the German club.

City backed off when Wolfsburg quoted them a price of £50m for the 6 ft 3ins target man, and will only return to the deal if the price drops considerably.

But Juve have confirmed their interest and are set to offer £25m, plus £16m-rated Momo Sissoko, for the striker.

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