The Merseysiders are in talks with the striker's advisors to
massively enhance Torres' commercial earnings as they try to kill
off speculation about his future.
Torres signed a £100k a week four year deal last summer, but the
terms will be made much more lucrative following this summer's
World Cup.
Liverpool want to provide substantially greater rewards on
Torres' image rights as he's marketed as a Kop icon around the
world.
It would be the most profitable player specific commercial deal
in Anfield history, recognising Torres' hero status as critical to
Liverpool's enduring global popularity.
Liverpool know they can't compete with the kind of wages City
are prepared to offer the 25-year-old, which is why they've devised
a similar strategy to that Manchester United are adopting to retain
Wayne Rooney.
The Kop's commercial profits have been on the rise in recent
seasons, and it's the fame and pulling power of Anfield which will
allow the club to maximise Torres' financial rewards.
Although the club is confident Torres won't quit Liverpool as
early as this summer, they're braced for massive bids, especially
if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester City's hopes of luring the striker have always looked
slim regardless of their wealth, but Barcelona have also recently
registered an interest.
Chelsea also tried to sign Torres last summer and Liverpool know
they face a serious battle to keep the player if they don't get
their act together on and off the pitch.
Torres is known to have been anxious for reassurances about the
direction of the club following a disappointing season, but
Liverpool hope their proposals prove that any suggestion they'd
cash in on the player are ill-founded.
There have been fears the cash problems of co-owners Tom Hicks
and George Gillett Jr would make them vulnerable to £80m offers,
but their joint reign is entering its final months.
They know it's in the club's interest to keep their most prized
asset on Merseyside as it makes Liverpool more attractive to
investors.
The talks with Torres' advisors underline the determination to
not only resist all bids, but to ensure that financially he'll be
rewarded as handsomely at Anfield as anywhere else.