Fernando Torres' Future May Be Linked To Javier Mascherano's

If Hodgson can sway Mascherano into keeping the core of Liverpool's midfield together, parlay that with two or three more signings then we will see the sunny lad from Spain be given the ball to score again wearing Liverpool's number nine.

Fernando Torres is still at Liverpool for now but their supporters are ready to hit the panic button. Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City have all expressed interest in Torres and Liverpool would be wise to hold firm to their £70m valuation on the 26-year-old.

The words of Fernando Torres say it best regarding his future.

"We just need to keep our best players."

With Gerrard, Aquilani, Kuyt and now Cole and Jovanovic into the mix, Liverpool are looking stronger. If Mascherano joins Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan, Liverpool's choice for replacement would more than likely determine whether he stays or goes.

Torres' future may hinge on Mascherano's. While I am sure Torres would love to look back and see Argentina's captain holding down the midfield, if Mascherano walks away his replacement better ensure the same if not more confidence in Torres. When Torres looks at the team that Hodgson looks to field next season, it should read stronger than season's past. If the roster isn't convincing us football fans, it probably will not convince Torres. There is a lot more work to do bringing people in, and the window to keep Torres is closing.

Manchester City and their deep pockets can offer Torres £200,000 a week, something that it has given its other top players. But like Liverpool, they can only promise a plan for Champions League football. Contrary to reports that have spread like wildfire, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is not actively pursuing Torres, Dan Roan of BBC Sport reported today.

"Torres is one of the best strikers in Europe and is already playing in the Premier League for three years and knows it very well," said Mancini.

"But it depends on his situation - his price and whether he wants to come."

Last year Torres commented on the financial situation at Liverpool.

"I don't know about Liverpool's financial situation but I know we don't have the same money as Manchester United or Chelsea," Torres was quoted upon restructuring his contract in 2009. 

"We're fighting them with less money every season. That's not a problem for us – we're a strong team and we'll win trophies with money or without it."

Torres is more than wealthy. He doesn't play for the money. If he leaves Liverpool it will be for Champions League football, pure and simple. Chelsea and Barcelona fans like the sound of that.

With no formal transfer request submitted by the top rated Spanish striker, the songs of 'El Nino' may still be sung at Anfield Road. Roy Hodgson has admitted Torres "has beef" with the club, but that any approach depends on the Spanish star wanting to move. Failure to continue this roller coaster of capturing players, compounded by Javier Mascherano's possible departure may be enough to have Torres walk on.

"I worry about losing my team-mates but if we can keep our best players and bring in some more, we'll be even stronger."

Torres has yet to speak publicly about his future. Pure and simple; Torres is waiting for more signings to the team. He wants to see a commitment to winning; winning now and continuing season to season. Steven Gerrard committing to Liverpool and a few more key signings would probably sway Torres into staying. If one or two of those signings are Spanish, that may weigh heavier to keep him at Liverpool as well. It was no secret that Torres took pride when Liverpool was fielding the second most Spanish players outside Spain. 

The Hodgson reports that Torres has beef with the team can easily be rooted in his future with or away from Liverpool. He has seen many of his national team mates join the exodus away from Anfield beginning with Xabi Alonso to Rafa Benitez cutting ties with the club.

"The fact that Stevie is staying will be a great help and players like Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Jonjo Shelvey and Danny Wilson mean there is buying for present and the future," former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish told BBC Sport.

"When Torres sees that and talks with Roy I'm sure he'll give us good news. I hope Torres stays. Only Fernando knows what he is going to do. Unfortunately for him he is injured but he is a fantastic player and is very happy around the club and the city."

Until Torres submits that formal transfer request or there is a public offer meeting his £70m valuation we continue to wait. Expect Torres to comment on his future after Mascherano's fate is sealed.