Javier Mascherano wants to leave Liverpool, the club's manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed.

Hodgson has been speaking to the Reds' key figures since taking over from Rafael Benitez at Anfield and while captain Steven Gerrard has indicated he wants to stay, Argentina skipper Mascherano is keen to move on, with reports linking him with a reunion with Benitez at Inter Milan.

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.

"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.

"He is a Liverpool player and will continue to be treated as a Liverpool player until such a day arrives when he no longer is.

"The mere fact that the player is a little bit unhappy with his situation and would prefer to leave does not necessarily mean that he will do.

"It disappoints me but it is not unusual. I think in every club throughout the world there are players playing in the team who would prefer to leave.

"Some are allowed to, some are not allowed to. Mascherano is a Liverpool player with a two-year contract.

"I expect him to honour that contract until the day comes when the club decides to accept an offer for his services."