Roy Hodgson hopeful of holding on to Fernando Torres

Liverpool are confident they can keep hold of Fernando Torres despite interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson has revealed that club Managing Director Christian Purslow has been locked in talks with the Spanish striker in an attempt to ensure he remains at Anfield next season.

The 26-year-old has yet to commit his future to the Merseyside club but Hodgson remains confident that the former Atlético Madrid front man will stay at Anfield despite the side’s disappointing 2009-10 season.

Torres is believed to be increasingly concerned about the club’s ongoing financial problems which are likely to continue until current owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, depart from Anfield.

Steven Gerrard has already committed his future to the Anfield club after the arrival of Joe Cole.

“Christian Purslow has been talking to him for the last two days, so there have been lots of words,” Hodgson explained.

“But I have not spoken to him. I was confident Steven Gerrard would stay with Liverpool because he is the heart and soul of the club.

“It would have been a major blow to lose him. Gerrard has pretty much said he is staying and that is a big boost. Hopefully he will soon be followed by Fernando.”

Hodgson also suggested he would like to make one or two more signings, though admitted that the financial constraints he is currently working under may make bringing in new players difficult, stating that Liverpool “do not have unlimited funds that teams like City or even Tottenham seem to have.”