Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has revealed that Steven Gerrard pledged his future to the club after “considering a possible option” elsewhere (Reds 16/1 – 2010/11 Premier League Outright).

The Kop captain insists he is going nowhere, despite links with Real Madrid following the Reds’ failure to secure Champions League football for the forthcoming season.

The departure of Rafa Benitez to Inter Milan might have allowed Gerrard to make a natural break from his only club, but the England star is happy with summer developments (Reds 7/4 – Top 4 Finish in 2010/11).

Gerrard said: “I wanted the chance to meet Roy Hodgson privately and, having done so, I’m very impressed with his plans for the future.”

However, the futures of star striker Fernando Torres and key midfielder Javier Mascherano are still up in the air.

Hodgson added: “(Managing director) Christian Purslow has been talking to Fernando Torres for the last two days so I think there has probably been lots of words from Fernando Torres but I haven’t actually spoken to him.”

The former Fulham manager also added: “Mascherano is on holiday. He’s not due back until August 5 so when he returns to the club I’ll be speaking to him, not before then.”

Liverpool kick off the new season with a home clash against Arsenal on August 15 (Reds 5/4, draw 9/4, Gunners 7/4).