Fernando Torres is not for sale, says new Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson

Jul 16 2010

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson has sent out a message to clubs circling Spanish striker Fernando Torres – “he is not for sale”.

The 26-year-old Spain international has been the subject of persistent speculation linking him with a big-money move away from Anfield this summer.And it was suggested he could seek a move after Rafa Benitez left the club following a disappointing season.Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona have all been mentioned as potential destinations but new boss Hodgson, having met Torres this week, has emphasised his determination to keep him.Hodgson took charge at Liverpool a fortnight ago but was unable to meet Torres at first due to the player’s involvement in the World Cup in South Africa.Speaking at his team’s pre-season training camp, Hodgson said: “I have met with Fernando.”I found him to be a very pleasant man and we had a nice conversation.”As far as we are concerned he is a Liverpool player and we want him to remain a Liverpool player.”He is not for sale and we don’t welcome any offers for him. We want to keep him.”My conversation with him was only short because I had to leave to come to the training camp in Switzerland.”We spoke about football, the World Cup, his injury, and I told him how much I am looking forward to working with him.”Christian Purslow [managing director] was also at the meeting and chatted to Fernando for a lot longer after I left but my chat with him was only about football matters.”Hodgson was equally forthright on the subject of captain Steven Gerrard’s future but the picture concerning Argentina skipper Javier Mascherano is unclear.The pair, who have not begun pre-season training yet either, have also been linked with moves elsewhere.Gerrard is rumoured to be a target of Real Madrid while Mascherano’s agent has claimed Inter Milan are interested in his client.Hodgson said: “I have met with Steven and thought the talks were positive.”We are in a situation where we hear our players are being courted by other teams but it is all just rumours.”What we haven’t had is a club wanting to buy Steven Gerrard. Steven Gerrard is not for sale – I made that clear to him.”I told him I supported the club’s policy that we don’t want to sell our best players and have to start building again.”He added: “I have tried to contact Javier. I have left him voice messages and sent him texts but had no reply.”To be fair to him, that’s not unusual because he’s had a tough World Cup and I believe he’s gone back to Argentina.”It’s not always easy to get in touch with people. I have tried to reach him to make clear I am happy to talk with him at his convenience.”

( daily record )

Transfer Talk: Friday, July 16 – Seve ‘no’ to Buddies, Killie talk with Boozy, Dundee deal for duo

Jul 16 2010

ST MIRREN have failed to tempt former Aberdeen ace Scott Severin to Paisley on a season-long loan deal. Seve, 31, has opted to fight for his place at Watford. (various)

HEARTS defender Marius Zaliukas is set to hold showdown talks over his future with manager Jim Jefferies. (The Scotsman)

KILMARNOCK boss Mixu Paatelainen has opened contract talks with former Hibs midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin but Chris Innes, also on trial at Rugby Park, will not be offered terms. (The Scotsman)

FALKIRK are considering a move for former Liverpool kid Charlie Barnett, 21. The midfielder is a free agent after his contract expired at Tranmere Rovers. (Daily Express)

LEEDS manager Simon Grayson says he has no intention of bidding for Hamilton midfielder James McArthur (Daily Express)

HAMILTON ACCIES have taken Alex Gramovics on trial. The midfielder spent last season at Clyde. (various)

DUNDEE are set to unveil the signings of former Dundee United ace Stephen O’Donnell and ex-Celtic midfielder Nicky Riley. (various)

DUNFERMLINE have signed ex-Clyde frontman Pat Clarke from Dundee. (various)

EX-MOTHERWELL and Kilmarnock defender David McAuliffe has signed for Stranraer. (various)

( daily record )

Celtic face Portuguese club Sporting Braga in Champions League qualifying

Scottish clubs have avoided any of the competitions’ big guns in the Champions League and Europa League draws.

Celtic will play Portuguese Champions League debutants Braga in the third qualifying round of the competition.Hibernian face the winners of the tie between Videoton of Hungary and Slovenia’s NK Maribor in the Europa League third qualifying round.Should Motherwell beat Iceland’s Breidablik they will face Norway’s Aalesund at the same stage.Braga finished second in the Portuguese first division last season, and Celtic will play the first leg away on 27/28 July before the home tie on 3/4 August.This is the seventh season in a row Braga have qualified for Europe and, in 2008, they were the winners of the last Intertoto Cup.

Videoton, Uefa Cup runners-up in 1985, qualified for Europe by finishing second in the Hungarian league, while Maribor are Slovenian Cup winners and boast former Rangers winger Bojan Djordjic in their squad.

The sides drew 1-1 in the first leg of their second qualifying round tie in Hungary.Aalesund are making their European debut after winning last season’s Norwegian Cup.The first leg of the Europa League ties will take place on the 29 July, with the return leg on 5 August, with both Scottish sides scheduled to play the first leg away from home.

( BBC Football )