And the new Anfield manager's shock confession will open the
door for Chelsea to launch an official bid for Spain's
£60million-rated World Cup winner.
"Unfortunately, I cannot do much more," admitted Hodgson. "His
beef is with the club and not me."
The 26-year-old striker believes he has been let down by broken
promises regarding investment in new players, a factor that was key
in him signing a new deal last year.
Hodgson added: "Fernando's situation has nothing to do with me,
he made that perfectly clear over the phone during the World Cup
and when I met him face-to-face.
"He knows what I would like to do with the club. He knows how
much I value him.
"But his issues are with what has gone on in the past rather
than the future. If he has problems with the club for things in the
past, it is difficult for me to dismiss that."
Hodgson had been celebrating a double success after signing
England star Joe Cole and convincing Kop skipper Steven Gerrard to
stay at Anfield.
But his admission after Saturday night's 1-0 friendly defeat
against Kaiserslautern in Germany is seen as the biggest indicator
yet that Torres is still considering leaving Liverpool.
Anfield managing director Christian Purslow has had
several talks with Torres, including a meeting in Majorca last
week. Liverpool insist they are close to securing new financial
backing.
The club's American co-owner Tom Hicks is understood to have
been in London last week for a series of meetings with potential
investors.
Torres demanded new signings in March and stressed: "What is
important is the club makes a big effort and brings great players
that are above the quality of the squad.
"We need four or five of the highest level to compete. Without
strengthening, what's the point of fighting again next season just
to be in the top four."
To compound Hodgson's problems, 26-year -old Argentinian
midfielder Javier Mascherano will return to Liverpool this week and
demand a transfer to Inter Milan.
Chelsea are favourites to land Torres, but it will take a bid of
around £60m to bring Liverpool to the negotiating table.
"People forget he is a Liverpool player," added Hodgson. "One
year ago he signed a four-year contract. I hope he will commit
himself by honouring his contract."