Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is desperate for Fernando Torres to commit to Anfield.
Torres was the spearhead of the Reds' attack last season and his departure would land Hodgson a hefty blow as he attempts to reverse the club's decline.
Joe Cole's signing has raised hopes of a revival but Hodgson is waiting on Torres to emulate team-mate Steven Gerrard and voice his desire to remain under his stewardship.
"That's what I'm hoping for, yeah," said Hodgson, referring to a public statement akin to Gerrard's.
"I made it clear from my point of view I'm really looking forward to working with him and I believe he's a key, key figure at the club.
"I obviously want him to be a part of the team we're trying to build here and I can only hope he'll buy into what the club is offering him.
"I don't think there are any worries with him in terms of me personally or what we're doing. I think the concerns go back once again to the time before I came to the club."
