Manchester City, Barcelona bid for Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres will be offered the chance to become 'the face of Liverpool' to fend off mega bids from Manchester City and Barcelona, reports News of The World.

The Merseysiders are in talks with the striker's advisors to massively enhance Torres' commercial earnings, as they try to kill off speculation about his future.

Torres signed a 100,000 pound a week four-year deal last summer, but the terms will be made much more lucrative following this summer's World Cup.

Liverpool wants to market Torres as a Kop icon around the world and will reward him in the process. It would be the most profitable player specific commercial deal in Anfield history, recognising Torres' hero status as critical to Liverpool's enduring global popularity.

The Kop's commercial profits have been on the rise in recent seasons, and it's the fame and pulling power of Anfield which will allow the club to maximise Torres' financial rewards.

Although the club is confident Torres won't quit Liverpool as early as this summer, they're braced for massive bids, especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.