Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is a prime target for Manchester City this summer.

The Times says if City were to qualify for the Champions League at Liverpool's expense, there is a strong likelihood that a move for the player would be made.

If leaving Anfield became a requirement, Chelsea or Barcelona would be likelier destinations but, with Champions League football and a bundle of cash to offer, City would not be unattractive.

Torres will miss the game today because of injury, to Hughes's relief, and is a serious doubt for Tuesday.

"We don't discuss players at other clubs because that would be wrong to do," the City manager said. "You can see why he's [Benítez] saying that [about not selling Torres] because he's an outstanding striker. You don't want to be told that you have to sell your top players because of issues other than football. It has to be the manager's decision when you sell players, so that's the point he was making, I'd suggest."