Torres wants to stay, claims Hodgson, but Mascherano doesn’t
LIVERPOOL boss Roy Hodgson has given the club a huge boost by insisting Fernando Torres intends to stay at Anfield.
The Spain striker, 26, is wanted by Chelsea and Manchester City and Hodgson admitted just days ago that the star had “beef” with the club over a lack of signings. Torres (right), who has not returned to pre-season training yet, has not commented publicly on the matter, adding to uncertainty over his future.
But Hodgson said: “He has told us he is looking forward to Monday, looking forward to getting back to work and looking forward to playing for Liverpool next season. That’s what I know and I would suggest all other reports are erroneous.”
Keeping Torres at the club would represent another success for new manager Hodgson, following the signing of Joe Cole and captain Steven Gerrard’s decision to commit himself to Liverpool.
But the former Fulham boss has admitted Javier Mascherano wants to quit Merseyside, after holding talks with the Argentina midfielder on Monday.
“Yes, he wants to leave the club,” he said. “He has made that perfectly clear. I think he wanted to leave a year go.”
Inter Milan are thought to want Mascherano, but Hodgson added: “The mere fact that the player is a little bit unhappy with his situation and would prefer to leave does not necessarily mean that he will do.”