Football - Liverpool FC: We don't need to spend millions to win trophies, Fernando Torres

Jun 30 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

Football - Liverpool FC: LIVERPOOL striker Fernando Torres accepts the club’s lack of financial muscle means they are unlikely to be able to compete for star signings – but he believes that will not affect their chances of winning trophies.

Liverpool have been linked with £40million-rated Valencia forward David Villa but it seems he is destined to remain in Spain with Barcelona and Real Madrid vying for his signature.

Torres expressed a wish for Villa to join him at Anfield – he has recommended him and fellow Valencia pair David Silva and Juan Mata to manager Rafael Benitez – but knows it is a distant prospect with Liverpool’s transfer fund dwarfed by both the Spanish giants and also Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

However, regardless of finances the Spain striker is confident Liverpool can overcome United, whom they came a close second to in last season’s Barclays Premier League.

“I don’t know about Liverpool’s financial situation but I know we don’t have the same money as Manchester United or Chelsea,” he said.

“We’re fighting them with less money every season. That’s not a problem for us – we’re a strong team and we’ll win trophies with money or without it.

“The important thing is we’re getting closer to the title. It’s been frustrating for me because three years without a trophy for Liverpool is too long. The next one is coming, though – I’m sure of it.

“I know Rafa is working hard to bring in good players but I’m pretty sure David Villa will be too expensive for us.

“He is an outstanding striker and if Liverpool could sign anyone, I’d ask for him. He’s been in sensational form this season.

“But, to be honest, we have Steven Gerrard playing behind the striker and he scores 20 goals a season, so we don’t really need another forward. We just need to keep our best players.”

That may be easier said than done as Real are reportedly planning to sign midfielder Xabi Alonso and defender Alvaro Arbeloa in a £35million swoop with Barcelona eyeing a move for Javier Mascherano despite Benitez putting a £50m price tag on the Argentina captain.

Now Spain’s involvement in the Confederations Cup is over Benitez plans talks with Alonso over his future.

The Liverpool manager is determined to hold on to his central midfielders and will resist all approaches to sign them.

The speculation is a concern for Torres, who signed an improved deal at Anfield at end of last season and would like to see a number of his Spain team-mates follow suit.

“I worry about losing my team-mates but if we can keep our best players and bring in some more, we’ll be even stronger for next season,” he said.