• Premier League

Hodgson reveals Torres plans to stay at Liverpool

Roy Hodgson confirmed on Tuesday that Javier Mascherano has informed Liverpool that he wants to leave the club, but the Reds boss also revealed Fernando Torres intends to stay.

Mascherano returned to Melwood for the first time on Monday, and he held 'amicable' talks with the new Liverpool manager. However, it was widely reported that the Argentina international would still request a swift exit from Anfield.

With Rafael Benitez a keen admirer at Inter Milan and Josep Guardiola also interested in bringing Mascherano to Barcelona, the writing was always on the wall from the moment Liverpool failed to qualify for this season's Champions League. And Hodgson revealed during Tuesday's press conference that the matter is now out of his hands.

"Yes he wants to leave the club, he has made that perfectly clear," Hodgson said. "He wanted to leave the club a year ago. It disappoints me but it is not unusual.

"He is a Liverpool player, he has a two-year contract and I expect him to honour that contract until the day that Liverpool decide to sell him."

In better news for Liverpool, Hodgson revealed he had spoken to Torres, who stated he is looking forward to returning to training with the club next week. Torres has been the subject of sustained speculation, with Chelsea and Manchester City expressing an interest, but Hodgson insists the striker is committed to the club.

"He is looking forward to coming back here," Hodgson said. "He has told us that he is looking forward to getting back to work and playing for Liverpool next season, so some reports I would suggest are erroneous."

Meanwhile, defender Emiliano Insua's move to Fiorentina could be in jeopardy due to the player's wage demands, while Spanish side Real Sociedad have confirmed their interest in Liverpool starlet Dani Pacheco.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.