FERNANDO TORRES cast doubt on his Liverpool future last night when he passed up the opportunity to commit himself to the club.

He said he had not read remarks made by one of his representatives in which he reassured supporters that the Spaniard would continue at Anfield. The striker also hinted at the extent to which his decision depends on the financial and institutional future of the club by revealing that he has maintained regular contact with the club’s chief executive, Christian Purslow, and manager, Rafael Benitez.

Torres admitted that the departure of the owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks could help the club. Torres’s remarks come amid speculation over his future following a deeply disappointing season for Liverpool and it is understood the 26-year-old has sought reassurance before committing his future.

Liverpool’s crisis while the club looks for a buyer means any definitive decision remains on hold but Torres has not ruled out a departure. The comments also followed former Liverpool chairman David Moores’s appeal for the current owners to “stand aside” and sell up for the good of the club in a letter to the London Times.

Liverpool’s estimated debt is €465 million, of which €218 million was incurred to finance the takeover by Gillett and Hicks. Moores, who said he “regrets” selling the club, insisted: “If they have a conscience or nobility they will stand aside and allow new owners to take over.”

• Guardian Service