Hodgson last week declared the striker had told the club he was looking forward to the new season at Liverpool, although the player has not yet publicly declared an intention to stay.

And after Jamie Carragher urged Torres to reaffirm his Anfield commitment, new signing Joe Cole has followed suit.

“One of the main reasons I came to Liverpool was because I wanted to play with these great players and I’m going to work every day to make Fernando as many chances as I can,” said Cole.

“I’ve been watching the way he plays ever since he came to the club and, the season before last, he was the best striker in the world, without a shadow of a doubt.

“I love playing with strikers who play on the shoulder of the last defender. The best striker I played with at Chelsea was (Hernan) Crespo; his movement was absolutely unbelievable.

“I had a good relationship with him and hopefully I will be able to have that kind of relationship with Fernando. My job is to make chances for the front men and I can’t wait to play alongside him.”

Meanwhile, Philipp Degen is moving closer to an Anfield exit with Bundesliga side Stuttgart close to agreeing a season-long loan with a view to a permanent transfer for the Swiss right-back.

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