Ancelotti cools Torres talk, keen to keep Cole

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti appeared to rule out a move for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres on Saturday, after seeing his side beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in their first pre-season friendly.

Torres won the World Cup with Spain last weekend but endured a disappointing, injury-blighted campaign with Liverpool last season, prompting speculation he could be set to leave the club.

Chelsea and Manchester City have both been linked with a move for the former Atletico Madrid marksman, but Ancelotti said the Premier League champions were already well stocked in the striking department.

“I don’t think we need other strikers,” said Ancelotti.

“Nothing has changed because in the next few days (Didier) Drogba, (Nicolas) Anelka and (Salomon) Kalou come back, and we have (Daniel) Sturridge.”

Ancelotti also dismissed speculation over a possible departure for England international left-back Ashley Cole, who has been linked with a move to join former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

“I didn’t speak with him, I don’t need to speak with him and he doesn’t need to speak to me,” said the Italian.

“He is a player of Chelsea, did a fantastic season for us and will be an important player for us next season. One hundred percent.”

Chelsea won 1-0 at second-division Palace, with Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien marking his return from a seven-month absence through injury with the winning goal.