A day after media reports claimed Fernando Torres was Liverpool’s top target, the Spain international striker’s club Atletico Madrid have claimed their skipper is going nowhere.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said: "Torres is an Atletico Madrid player and I think he will stay here for many years to come.

"This happens every year. Everyone talks about rumours and throws figures about but Atletico are clear. Anyway, even if we put him up for sale, would he really want to leave?"

A report in the Liverpool Echo had claimed that Reds boss Rafa Benitez would move into make the talismanic striker his first major signing of the summer.

It also suggested Torres could cost anywhere between £24m and £27m matching a figure in his exit clause.

Meanwhile, reports on Thursday have suggested that Liverpool are also trying to bring former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan back to the Premiership.

Uruguayan Forlan had earlier claimed that Liverpool, Sunderland and one more English side, believed to be Aston Villa, are interested in him. He also admitted that there is around 15m pounds exit clause in his contract at La Liga outfit Villarreal.