Chelsea will have the chance to be free from Fernando Torres’hefty wage bill, as the striker will be a target for German side Schalke led by new manager Roberto di Matteo in the upcoming Janauary window usurping the player’s loan contract which would expire at AC Milan in 2016, according to the Express.

Torres made the big money move from Liverpool to London in 2011, and hopes were high on the back of spectacular performances for Liverpool over the years. The striker struggled to find form at Chelsea during his entire spell, and failed to impress the Stamford Bridge faithful. The 30-year old was given the chance to train under several different managers, but could not ignite his career at the club. With a big paying contract signed early on, Chelsea were left in a bind with a player who was being paid too much. Then Milan came to the rescue and offered the player a chance to resurrect his career in Italy. The former Atletico Madrid player signed a 2-year loan deal alongside Chelsea colleague Marco van Ginkel, who also made the Italian switch. Torres has played 4 matches for Milan so far in the Serie A, and has only scored once in the period.

Di Matteo replaced Jens Keller at Schalke recently, and could welcome the opportunity to train Torres for the second time in his career as he still thinks the Spaniard has a lot to offer.