Torres agrees new LFC deal

Fernando Torres has agreed a new and improved deal with Liverpool Football Club. The striker was already tied to the club till 2013, having signed a six year deal in 2007 when he moved from Atletico Madrid. However the new contract will give Torres increased wages, and it also includes an option for a further year's extension to 2014.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez speaking with the official site 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 added: "We've made huge progress this season and now we need to take the next step. We are building something special here and securing such important players on long-term deals means we can move forward with confidence. This sends out a very positive message to everyone connected with the club."

Notably the press have vastly conflicting numbers as they speculate the players new pay deal. “Torres’s move entailed a significant pay cut from the contract he had been offered to remain at the Vicente Calderon” speculates The Telegraph. “That has now been rectified and his new contract is likely to bring his wages, thought to be around £90,000-a-week, into line with Steven Gerrard, the club’s top earner on around £120,000-a-week”. The Guardian says: the “new contract that will increase the Spain striker's wages to £110,000 a week.” Having previously been on “£70,000-a-week” but, under the terms of the original transfer, was entitled to review his salary with the club this summer.” His new contract will also “vastly improve his personal terms until 2013 as scheduled.” The story also claims “It will make him the second-highest-paid player at the club behind the captain, Steven Gerrard.”

One thing is certain; the new Torres deal, which follows Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt Daniel Agger and Benitez himself in agreeing new contracts over the past couple of months, indicates a positive start to the summer dealings. It also shows a unity within the team, as players sign extensions without any fuss or pre Madonna posturing. This is something other teams are having difficulty in controlling, notably the discontent currently at United with the Tevez saga and the attention seeking Ronaldo insisting he dominates press headlines. But whilst other teams bicker Liverpool appear to be quietly going about their business, undoubtedly sending out a positive message to players considering a move to the club.