LIVERPOOL have rewarded Fernando Torres with a new contract that will keep him at Anfield until at least 2013.
The 25-year-old has been a huge success since joining from Atletico Madrid two years ago and scored his 50th goal for the Reds last Sunday against Tottenham.
Although the Spain striker still had four years remaining on his original six-year contract, Liverpool have offered him improved terms and added an option to take the deal through to 2014.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said: ‘‘Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game today and, at his age, can only get better.
‘‘Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club.
‘‘He’s a special talent but still has the hunger to improve his game.’’ Benitez is looking to secure the futures of his key players after watching them push Manchester United all the way in the title race this season before settling for second place.
Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger, Steven Gerrard and Benitez himself have already signed new contracts in the last two months.
Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano wants the Reds to sign his Argentina team-mate Carlos Tevez.
‘‘Because of the type of player Carlos is, he would be great for us,” said Mascherano.
‘‘However, it will be a tough fight because so many clubs are interested in him.’’
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