Liverpool set for cash boost - but still face losing Torres

Major new investment is on its way to Liverpool – but it might still not be enough to keep Fernando Torres at Anfield.

New York-based private equity firm the Rhone Group submitted a proposal this weekend that will see them buy up to a 40 per cent stake in the club in return for a major cash injection.

The interest from the American company is one of six potential deals being considered by the club at present.

Liverpool’s current American owners are looking to bring in fresh capital that will allow debts to be reduced and a new stadium to be built.

Ultimately, that will allow more funds to be invested in the transfer market. But it seems that prospect may not be immediate enough to persuade Torres to see out the summer as a Liverpool player.

The Spanish striker hinted strongly yesterday that unless he sees evidence of real investment in quality new players he will consider his future.

Torres was an icon player at Atletico Madrid who was held back by the restrictions of those players around him.

He thought he had left that situation behind when he arrived at Anfield. But in three years he has won nothing and clearly feels he is now further away than ever from challenging for top honours.

Torres has been offered a lucrative new deal by Liverpool which will see him profit more substantially from image rights at Anfield. Yet he made it clear yesterday that it is medals he wants, not money.

“I want to be fighting for the Premier League, the Champions League or the Europa League, but to do this we need signings to come,” explained the Anfield hero.

“We need four or five top-class players to compete, players better than the ones we have.

“Being in the Champions League is not so important for me. What is really important is that the club makes an effort and brings in important players to improve the quality of the squad.

“We are a long way from fighting for honours at the moment. And if we do not reinforce the squad, next year all we will be able to do is fight for fourth again.”

When asked whether he would look to leave before the end of his contract, which runs until 2013, he said ominously: “It’s too early to talk about that.”

Clearly, he will wait to see who arrives in the summer before he decides on his future.

But even the prospect of new investment may not be enough to generate the capital required to sign the four or five star players the Spaniard is demanding.

The Rhone Group is one of six potential investors but that money will go towards reducing debt and allowing the new stadium to be built – not into player investment.

Losing Torres is a nightmare prospect for Liverpool fans. But last night manager Rafa Benitez insisted that it will not happen.

The Reds boss, himself under severe pressure with the club certain to review his future in the summer, said: “Finishing fourth would mean a lot to Fernando because he wants to be playing in the Champions League. But we all want that and we all want to win medals.

“People talk about money with him but I can tell you his main motivation is winning trophies. That is what drives him on. That is always the main topic in any discussion between us.

“He wants trophies and that always comes across whenever we talk. Everyone knows you can have a bad season every now and then and that is why frustration sometimes gets the better of him. But we will turn this around.”

Torres has shown some awful body language in recent weeks as frustration has got the better of him. But Benitez said: “I know Fernando has been frustrated and unhappy.

“But overall he was more focused against Lille. His behaviour, and everything about him, was much better.”

Torres will lead the line against Portsmouth this evening, with Yossi Benayoun set to return to add more creativity to the attack.