Torres staying at Chelsea, says Villas-Boas

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has dismissed rumours misfiring striker Fernando Torres will be on his way out of the club in January.

The 50 million-pound signing from Liverpool has scored just five goals in 35 appearances in his time at Stamford Bridge since moving in January, and is now behind fellow strikers Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order.

But despite reports Chelsea – third on the English Premier League table – were set to off-load Torres for a considerable loss on their investment, Villas-Boas was adamant that would not be the case.

“Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price, now or in the summer,” he said.

The Spain international has started just 11 games under Villas-Boas this season, but will almost certainly play a role when Drogba departs for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Villas-Boas also backed veteran midfielder Frank Lampard after he voiced his frustration at a lack of starting action following Chelsea’s home win over Manchester City on Monday.

The 33-year-old England international, who is only eight months younger than Portuguese boss Villas-Boas, started the team’s last two matches on the bench but came on to score the winner from the penalty spot in Monday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over City.

“Frank Lampard is a player of massive magnitude to this club,” Villas-Boas said.