Hodgson: United May Want Torres

Roy Hodgson has admitted that Wayne Rooney's desire to leave Manchester United is likely to prompt interest in Fernando Torres from their arch-rivals.

Rooney declared on Wednesday that he was heading for the exit door at Old Trafford after six years at the club, prompting immediate speculation about who his replacement will be in United's attacking line.

Chelsea and Manchester City were both linked with a move for Torres during the summer, and with Liverpool's awful form this season so far and the Spanish international cutting a forlorn, frustrated figure at Anfield, speculation over his future is likely to continue.

Hodgson however stated that Torres, who was linked with a move to United before joining the Reds in 2007, would not be the only name on Sir Alex Ferguson's wanted list.

"I think I'd have to say we'd cross that bridge when we come to it," the Reds boss said when asked about the threat of United possibly trying to sign Torres.

"I am pretty sure when a great player like Wayne Rooney is looking to leave his club, Manchester United will be in a position to target an awful lot of players around the world.

"I don't think Fernando Torres would be the only player they will be targeting or [we would be] the only club worried their star striker is going to be a target.

"They will have the opportunity to replace him with many star strikers around the world, so all I can say is I am not naive to the situation.

"I am not naive enough to think there is no danger we will ever lose a player like Fernando Torres.

"I can only hope we won't and I will make certain I do everything in my power to keep him happy at the club, help him improve his current form and to get him playing for Liverpool as he has in the past."