“People are talking about us winning the Premier League again because we have been some way off for the last few years. It’s 19 years since we won it. We also have to be among the best teams in the Champions League again. We are a very competitive side over two legs and I’m certain that we can go a long way.”

Torres has also welcomed the £20million capture of Robbie Keane from Tottenham, who he feels has the experience to help Liverpool make that double assault on the domestic and European front. But he admits he isn’t sure if he is saying hello to a new strike partner.

“Robbie Keane really wanted to come to us and I think he is going to bring us an enormous amount – hard work, goals and experience,” Torres said. “He will bring the level of the team up a notch and I’m sure he is going to be very important this season.

“But the tactical lay-out of the team and whether or not we are going to play two up-front is down to Rafa.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool are prepared to wait for the outcome of talks between Gareth Barry and Aston Villa mana-ger Martin O’Neill.

O’Neill followed up the club statement that their captain would be staying by declaring his delight that Barry will remain a Villa player after Liverpool missed the deadline they imposed to complete his signing.

But both Barry and Benitez are keen to push the deal through after the Midlands club accepted Liverpool’s £18million bid – which has always the main stumbling block during this elongated saga.

The structure of the deal couldn’t be agreed in time during Wednes-day’s intense negotiat-ions, but Barry and his agent plan to meet O’Neill to reiterate their desire to compete his Anfield switch.

Benitez also wants the deal finalised quickly. After tomorrow’s friendly with Rangers at Ibrox, his side only has two more warm-up games left before the start of the new season, against Valarenga in Oslo and at home to Lazio.

The first competitive game is the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round on August 12 or 13. The second leg is on August 26 or 27. The draw is being made in Nyon at 11am today.

To see who Liverpool get go to www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk