Inter Milan step up interest in Chelsea striker Fernando Torres

Inter Milan's sporting director Piero Ausilio was at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night to pursue his interest in Chelsea's Fernando Torres.

Ausilio warned last week that Torres's wages might be too expensive for Inter but the Spain striker remains high on the list of targets for the Italian giants as they rebuild under new Indonesian owner Erick Thohir.

Inter boss Walter Mazzarri is anxious to boost his attacking options and has also prioritised a defensive midfielder, with John Obi Mikel an option.

Torres, who started on the bench against Galatasaray, has two years left on his contract and will be aware that Jose Mourinho is searching for new strikers in the summer.

Mikel has three more years left on his deal but has been displaced this season by Ramires and the return of Nemanja Matic from Benfica. Marco van Ginkel is close to being fit again after a serious knee injury.