Mascherano and Alonso have been on the wanted lists, albeit not at the top, of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Torres insists the reds need to keep hold of these players:
‘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.
‘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. Man United have been the strongest team in Europe but they’ve lost an important player (Cristiano Ronaldo), so maybe it’s our time now.
‘My ambition is to win trophies with Liverpool. We must win something next season.
‘And then, with Spain, it’s obvious that the 2010 World Cup is our big challenge. I hope 2009-10 will be a great season for me.’
But despite suggesting that the reds should buy Villa, Silva and Mata – it seems Torres is acutely aware that Liverpool are not being backed up with the finances from the owners who are handing over £40M a season in interest to RBS.
“I don’t know about Liverpool’s financial situation but I know we don’t have the same money as Manchester United or Chelsea.
“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.
“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.”
“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.