Hodgson To Talk To Torres Over Phone

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has been on the phone to Fernando Torres about staying at Anfield.

The Guardian says Torres will hold talks with Liverpool after the World Cup before making a decision over his future as Chelsea prepare to step up their interest in signing the Spain international.

Torres, 26, who has endured a frustrating World Cup but is expected to retain his place in Spain's starting line-up for tomorrow's semi-final against Germany, has said that he wishes to speak to the Anfield board, as well as Roy Hodgson, the new Liverpool manager, after the weekend to discuss the club's position and their long‑term plans.

Hodgson has stressed the importance of retaining Torres and telephoned the striker within hours of his appointment as Rafael Benítez's successor to try to persuade him to stay at Liverpool. Martin Broughton, the Liverpool chairman, has also made it clear that the club's top players are not for sale, but Chelsea are expected to test that resolve and hope to convince Torres to leave Anfield for what is likely to be a record British transfer fee.