Roy Hodgson Confident Of Torres Return

Roy Hodgson believes that Fernando Torres will stay at Anfield next season.

The Spaniard’s future was thrown into question at the end of the 2010 season when Liverpool finished seventh in the Premier League and will not play Champions League football.

Hodgson took over as Liverpool manager while Torres was away on international duty with Spain at the World Cup and the former Fulham boss made it clear that he wanted the Spaniard and captain Steven Gerrard to remain at the club.

And while Manchester City and Chelsea are just two clubs rumoured to have been interested in signing the striker Hodgson is confident that Torres will remain at the club.

Speaking to the Associated Press Hodgson said: "As far as I know he is looking forward to coming back here on Monday.

 "He is enjoying a holiday - a well-deserved break as he has not had one for three years - spending a lot of time with his family, keeping a low profile."

And while reports earlier this week suggested that Torres wanted to play Champions League football this season Hodgson has dismissed these claims.

 "As far as I know he is not really speaking to anyone but he has told us that he is looking forward to Monday, looking forward to getting back to work and looking forward to playing for Liverpool next season. That is what I know so other reports, I would suggest, are erroneous."

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw