Rafael Benitez says Liverpool have received "very big offers" for striker Fernando Torres this summer.

Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid have been linked with a big-money move for the Spain striker, while team-mates Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano have also been in demand this summer.

But Benitez is in no mood to weaken his squad by cashing in.

He said: "We have had some very big offers for some of our key players this summer - and that includes Fernando Torres.

"Clubs wanted Fernando and we were contacted by agents working for those clubs

"But we always knew that when a bid came in we would say 'no'.

"The main thing was that Torres wanted to stay here. People knew the player wanted to stay, but it did not stop clubs trying.

"We wanted to send out a message that Liverpool are a strong team and that we want to improve. You don't improve by selling your best players."