Torres targets title after pledging future to Liverpool

The 26-year-old was linked with a move from Merseyside after a disappointing seventh-placed Premier League finish, with Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly ready to make British record bids.

However, those who speculated about the World Cup winner's future did a major disservice to the player's love for, and loyalty to, Liverpool.

When former manager Rafael Benitez brought the Atletico Madrid star over from Spain to sign for the Reds in the summer of 2007, Torres was given a DVD highlighting the club's long and glorious history.

While he was holed up in Liverpool city centre awaiting the completion of the finer points of his transfer it was those iconic images on his television set – and subsequently the response from fans who immediately took him to their hearts – which cemented his relationship with the Anfield club.

But Torres did not fail to notice that on the DVD there was no mention of a league title since 1990 – and that is something he is desperate to rectify.

"I know that one trophy here at Liverpool – maybe the Premier League – means more than three or four with another club," he said. "This was my target from the day I came and it's still my target. Hopefully, this season we can feel this sensation here at Liverpool. This is the best club in the country so the targets and expectations are always high.

"At Liverpool, the aim is to fight for every title. It was difficult last season but we are sure we can improve this season."

Benitez being replaced by Roy Hodgson raised questions about Torres's future but the prospect of the club being under new ownership by the end of the month is more significant to the Spaniard.

Chairman Martin Broughton claims there are six bidders keen to take over and while it remains to be seen how many of them are viable, a new era appears to be approaching sooner than expected at Anfield.

Torres wants to be part of a future which appears much brighter than it did three months ago when he underwent surgery on his right knee for the second time since January.

One player who is not keen on remaining is Javier Mascherano, who has asked Hodgson to allow him to leave.

Argentina's captain is looking for a reunion with Benitez at Inter Milan but it is likely to take a bid in excess of 25m to persuade Hodgson to part with one of his key players. Standard Liege's Steven Defour and Juventus' Christian Poulsen are possible replacements.