Torres told to buck up or be replaced

There is nothing quite like a time limit to stimulate the brain to really kick into gear and get to work- or at least something resembling work- as all students or journalists know.

It would appear new Chelsea boss (there is no need for the 'interim' bit, it's very much implied) Rafael Benitez is using this approach with Fernando Torres to try and stimulate the terminally misfiring striker back into life.

The Daily Mirror reports that Torres has just a month to prove himself at Stamford Bridge and recapture his form that made him a hit at Anfield under Benitez.

And to act as even more of a stimulant, Benitez has got a replacement lined up in January should Torres still be stuck in what is looking more like a perma-rut than a temporary thing.

The paper adds that Metalist Kharkiv striker Taison has been lined up in a £10million deal to join the club in January.

The 24-year-old was reportedly at Chelsea's goalless home draw against Fulham on Wednesday and he already has a link to Chelsea with former teammate Oscar plying his trade in West London.

Benitez has reportedly changed Torres' training regime to try and jumpstart the player's form but a back-up plan is always a good idea.