LIVERPOOL: Argentina skipper Javier Mascherano wants to leave Liverpool, the club`s manager Roy Hodgson confirmed on Tuesday.

Hodgson has been speaking to the key figures in the team since taking over from Rafael Benitez at Anfield.

While captain Steven Gerrard has indicated he wants to stay, Mascherano is keen to leave, with reports linking the defensive midfielder with a move to join Benitez at Inter Milan.

"Yes, he wants to leave the club," confirmed Hodgson when asked about Mascherano.

"He has made that perfectly clear. I think he wanted to leave a year go.

"He wants to leave now but he is contracted to Liverpool so whether he leaves or not will be our decision."

Hodgson has had more positive news from Spain striker Fernando Torres, who has confirmed his intention to return to the club on Monday and to remain at Anfield.

Recent speculation suggested Torres was keen to play Champions League football this season, which Liverpool cannot offer, and was considering his options.

Hodgson said that was not the message the club had received from the Spain striker.

"As far as I know he is looking forward to coming back here; he is back on Monday," he said.

"He is enjoying a holiday -- a well-deserved break as he has not had one for three years.

"He is spending a lot of time with his family, keeping a low profile and as far as I know he is not really speaking to anyone.

"But he has told us that he is looking forward to Monday, looking forward to getting back to work and looking forward to playing for Liverpool next season.

"That is what I know so other reports, I would suggest, are erroneous."

BDST: 2055 HRS, JULY 27, 2010