Gerrard boost for Kop as Hodgson reveals skipper could stay
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Steven Gerrard boost for Liverpool as Roy Hodgson reveals skipper could stay at Anfield
Roy Hodgson has revealed he is confident Steven Gerrard will not walk out on Liverpool.
After failing to qualify for the Champions League, the Reds skipper is wanted by Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.
The Spaniards are lining up a £20million swoop for the England midfielder but Hodgson is optimistic he will stay after discussions with the star.
In his hands: Steven Gerrard is wanted by Real Madrid
Hodgson, who also met with fellow Liverpool legends Jamie Carragher and Kenny Dalglish, said: '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.
'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.
Big tasks: Roy Hodgson was unveiled as the Liverpool manager last week
'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.'
After staging meetings with key members of his squad and the Anfield hierachy, Hodgson is also eager to meet with Fernando Torres once he returns after the World Cup final with Holland on Sunday.
The striker is a target for a number of Europe's leading sides, with Chelsea lodging a formal £40m offer earlier this week.
Hodgson said: 'Fernando is a wonderful striker and I understand the fans' concerns about his future. 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.
Wanted: Fernando Torres is currently with Spain at the World Cup finals
'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.'
Hodgson is now considering offer a new role for academy chief Dalglish at the club.
He added: '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.'