Hodgson works on 'disenchanted' 'Pool players

Roy Hodgson admits he is working overtime to persuade Liverpool's "disenchanted" players to stay at Anfield.

Hodgson knows his most important task during pre-season is to get Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano to commit their futures to the Merseyside club.

Gerrard has been linked with Real Madrid and is believed to be weighing up if a move would benefit his career after Liverpool's disappointing campaign last season.

World Cup winner Torres is reported to be unsettled following the departure of Hodgson's predecessor Rafael Benitez, with Chelsea and Manchester City both interested in the Spain striker.

Midfielder Javier Mascherano is also far from certain to stay at Liverpool, with Benitez keen to take him to his new club Inter.

Losing any of those players would be a major blow to Hodgson and the former Fulham manager has already held talks with Gerrard.

"We are working very hard on making certain the players we have at the club who you would call the 'good players' are going to be with us for next season," Hodgson said.

"The board are working very hard in that area. Some players are a bit disenchanted after what happened last season and we want to make sure we get that enchantment back."

Hodgson and his squad arrived in Switzerland this week for a pre-season tour, but the 62-year-old will continue to search for new signings.

"We are looking to add to and improve the squad, but I prefer not to talk or say what we are doing until we have something concrete to announce," he said.