FERNANDO TORRES has declared that winning the Premier League with Liverpool remains his greatest desire while shrugging off reports of a shock move to Manchester United.

With Anfield owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett’s big financial loses revealed earlier this month and United set to receive a £80million windfall from the imminent world record transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, there were suggestions yesterday that Sir Alex Ferguson is plotting an audacious swoop for Liverpool’s prize striker.

However, any move for Torres – who scored a first-half hat-trick for Spain in last night’s 5-0 victory in the Confederations Cup opener against New Zealand – would be rebuffed by manager Rafael Benitez in an equally emphatic to when he told Barcelona that a £50m bid would not be enough to snare ‘priceless’ midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Torres has revealed that he understands just what it would mean for Liverpool to be crowned champions next season and end a 20-year wait for the title to return to Anfield.

He said: "They say foreign players don’t care as much as the home-grown, but we are very much aware that Liverpool haven’t won the Premier League for 20 years and understand the supporters are desperate for us to put that right."

Liverpool still haven’t won the Premier League and when they last reigned supreme as England’s top side, Manchester United only had seven titles to their name.

However, with Ferguson’s men having equalled Liverpool’s record of 18 League Championships last month, Torres, who has just penned a 12-month extension to his Anfield contract, tying him to the club until 2014, realises just how significant next season will be.

He said: "The rivalry with Manchester United is intense and the roof will come off at Anfield if we beat them to next year’s title. Obviously the Champions League means a lot to Liverpool, but the English title is the one everyone wants in our dressing room.

"Liverpool Football Club is a phenomenon, with millions of fans who totally identify with everything the club stands for.

"They are at one with the players and that’s why the backing we get at Anfield and from the away support is second to none. This club has it all: the history, the prestige, the fans, the organisation.

"It’s a big responsibility to give the fans here the success they desire, but the challenge is always exhilarating and this is why I was delighted to sign a new contract."