Javier Mascherano, though, is poised to depart having stated his intentions on his return to training on Monday.

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is now expected to launch a formal bid to take the Argentine to Inter, but Hodgson says the player will only leave at the right price.

“Yes, he wants to leave the club,” said the manager. “He has made that perfectly clear. I think he wanted to leave a year ago.

“He wants to leave now but he is contracted to Liverpool so whether he leaves or not will be our decision.

“He is a Liverpool player and will continue to be treated as a Liverpool player until such a day arrives when he no longer is.

“The mere fact that the player is a little bit unhappy with his situation and would prefer to leave does not necessarily mean that he will do.

“It disappoints me but it is not unusual. I think in every club throughout the world there are players playing in the team who would prefer to leave.

“Some are allowed to, some are not allowed to. Mascherano is a Liverpool player with a two-year contract. I expect him to honour that contract until the day comes when the club decides to accept an offer for his services.”