Roy Hodgson is delighted that Steven Gerrard gave 'no indication' that he wanted to leave Liverpool this summer and the new Anfield manager anticipates a repeat scenario when he meets with Fernando Torres.
The Reds captain has been linked with Real Madrid following his hometown club's terrible 2009/10 campaign and it has been suggested that he could be ready to sever his connection with the Merseysiders.
Conjecture has implied that England's embarrassing World Cup campaign and off-field rumours in Britain have pushed Gerrard closer to the Bernabeu and long-term admirer Jose Mourinho, who twice tried to sign him when in charge of Chelsea.
But Hodgson does not expect that scenario to develop after meeting with Gerrard, vice-captain Jamie Carragher and Academy ambassador Kenny Dalglish shortly after he was appointed as Liverpool manager last Thursday.
The former Fulham boss told LFC Weekly of the discussions: "I think they went splendidly. I was very happy to meet the players and, of course, Kenny who I already know so well.
"I was delighted to see how positive they are. Everybody is looking forward to the new season."
Big clubs
He added: "Obviously Steven and Jamie are the playing heartbeat of the club and it's very important we keep people like that with us.
"I anticipate there might be a situation where other big clubs will try and sign Steven, but he gave no indication that he wanted to leave.
"Nobody at the club wants him to go so I will be doing my utmost to make sure he stays. I am confident he will."
There has also been speculation regarding the future of Torres, who is thought to be a target of Manchester City and Chelsea amid mixed messages from his agent.
The out-of-form Spain striker is currently on duty at the World Cup, starting his country's semi-final win over Germany as a substitute, and so Hodgson is planning on holding talks when the forward returns to England.
Despite the delay, Liverpool's manager plans to promote signs of 'progress' and expects that Torres to follow Gerrard in signalling his desire to stay at Anfield.
"Fernando is a wonderful striker and I understand the fans' concerns about his future," said Hodgson.
"Unfortunately with the World Cup still on, I won't be able to meet him face-to-face for another few weeks. That's just circumstance and you won't hear me complaining about it.
"When I do meet him, I will be doing everything I possibly can to convince him that Liverpool is the place to be.
"If he sees progress, I am confident that he won't want to go anywhere else. I think he understands the club and the city."
Meanwhile, Hodgson is planning a new role for Dalglish under his Anfield reign.
He explained: "I never doubted that Kenny would leave. He's been offered a role, which I believe is a crucial role for the club - not just in the short term, but in the long term.
"The club will benefit from Kenny's work long after I've left Liverpool and long after he's left as well.
"He is very aware of all the players at the Academy and I understand there are a few promising players emerging.
"He will liaise between Melwood and Kirkby and keep me updated with any developments that he deems necessary.
"There is a bridge between the Academy and the first team that needs to be created and I believe he can help build that bridge."
Link
