Does Torres Have a Firm Reason To Leave Liverpool As Spain Reaches Final?

Fernando Torres and his Spanish contingent have reached the World Cup final for the first time, despite Torres not making the starting 11 in the semifinal win over Germany.

So in a World Cup where Torres has played against the best of the best, is his exit from his club side of Liverpool now just a foregone conclusion.

Even without having scored in South Africa, Torres must now be considering options elsewhere, even if he wasn't flicking through the transfer list already.

The news that Roy Hodgson will lead Liverpool's new season gives optimistic hope that at least Steven Gerrard will stay put.

Without Champions League action, Torres will not be be able to compete against the players that Spain has conquered in the latter stages of the world cup.

As a footballer's career has a limited span, the safe choice would be on a move to a Spanish or English rival.

Chelsea has shown interest before. Their Champions League qualification also ensures football of the highest calibre.

For Liverpool fans, there does remain a glimmer of hope. Torres has not scored for Spain, and as such has joined the likes of Rooney in becoming a World Cup flop.

Will Torres actually played in the final this weekend? That is the question surely to be on everyone's lips. The anticipation for the answer will be intense.

Has his street cred dropped? Will he be as highly sought after as we thought? Is he still a wanted star?

His league form gives him a foundation to back up his talents, but his World Cup performance does not.

Injury may be the reason for this, but it also gives Liverpool reason to wonder whether a more confident and consistent striker could be acquired elsewhere.

Could the team use transfer cash from a Torres sale to purchase a player capable of re-energising their league, cup and European campaign?

Probably not. Yet it is an idea that will now be in the minds of Anfield's followers, especially in the occurrence of a Torres exit.