Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has signed a new contract, agreed last season, which will put him on almost €130,000 a week. Liverpool loudly trumpeted that agreement in May, and the new deal includes a one-year extension option that could keep Torres at Anfield until 2014.

The 25-year-old Spaniard, who is expected to recover from an ankle injury to play at Spurs on Sunday, has seen his wages rise from €80,000 a week €127,000 under the new agreement.

Under the terms of his original deal, Torres had the option of having his wages reviewed this summer and Liverpool have been quick to make sure there is no hint of a problem, aware that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have shown interest in the player.

Manager Rafael Benitez said: “Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game 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.”

Torres was already tied to Anfield for the next four seasons, having signed a six-year deal in 2007.

He goes into the new season expecting rather than hoping Liverpool will win the title.

He said: “We have no problem beating Manchester United or Chelsea but it is games like Sunday’s at Tottenham where we need to show our real title intentions.

“Tottenham is not an easy place to go but these are games we must be winning if this is to finally be our year. I am not thinking can we win the title, I am thinking we have to win the title.

“We came so close last season but for many of the players it was their first time experiencing the pressure of a Premier League title race.”