Hodgson: Gerrard talks have been positive but Mascherano won't return my calls

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has followed up his claims that Fernando Torres is not for sale with a similar statement about club captain Steven Gerrard. The picture concerning Argentina skipper Javier Mascherano is unclear, however.

The pair, who have not begun pre-season training yet either, have also been linked with moves elsewhere.

Gerrard is rumoured to be a target of Real Madrid while Mascherano's agent has claimed Inter Milan are interested in his client.

Hodgson said: "I have met with Steven and thought the talks were positive.

"We are in a situation where we hear our players are being courted by other teams but it is all just rumours.

"What we haven't had is a club wanting to buy Steven Gerrard. Steven Gerrard is not for sale - I made that clear to him.

"I told him I supported the club's policy that we don't want to sell our best players and have to start building again."

He added: "I have tried to contact Javier. I have left him voice messages and sent him texts but had no reply.

"To be fair to him, that's not unusual because he's had a tough World Cup and I believe he's gone back to Argentina.

"It's not always easy to get in touch with people. I have tried to reach him to make clear I am happy to talk with him at his convenience."