London: There is a bitter High Court wrangle to be negotiated first, but Liverpool's prospective new owners are already steeling themselves for another battle, as they prepare to tackle growing concerns over Fernando Torres' future.
While the posturing continued between Liverpool's two warring factions ahead of next week's legal showdown, it became clear the most pressing task for a reconstituted board would be hauling Torres back from the brink and convincing him he can achieve all his ambitions at Anfield.
Alarmed by his club's descent into the Barclays Premier League's bottom three, against a backdrop of infighting and disharmony, Torres' mood has led to misgivings he could even press for a move in the January window.
Liverpool's hierarchy believe they will at least have bought some time if a High Court judge rules in their favour and signals the end of an acrimonious three-and-a-half years under Tom Hicks and George Gillett and the dawn of a bright new era with New England Sports Ventures.
But a seasoned observer of top-level sports like Boston Red Sox owner John W Henry will need no reminding that deeds, rather than promises, are needed, if £21 million (Dh122 million) record signing Torres is to be kept from the clutches of Manchester City or Barcelona.
Steep decline
Liverpool came perilously close to losing Torres to Chelsea in the summer and are acutely aware their prolific marksman, dismayed by their steep decline since finishing runners-up 18 months ago, will not tolerate another season in the shadows. Despite the Chelsea move falling through, just as all the signs were pointing to a deal being done, there remains strong interest in the 26-year-old Spain striker, who looks to be winning his fitness fight to face Everton on Sunday week.
While a lack of funds may hamper Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola's wish to pair Torres with international team-mate David Villa, there are no such problems for City, who are desperate to sign him at the second attempt, after being rebuffed last season, and may fare better if a Champions League place can be secured.
The arrival of Henry, wiping the slate clean of debt and freeing up transfer funds for manager Roy Hodgson, should allay any fears of a January exit. Time would still be short, though, for persuading him to buy into the concept of trophy-winning times returning under a new regime.
While Torres, and his Eastlands suitors, await evidence of an upturn in Liverpool's fortunes, Hodgson is convinced he can still deliver.
Though under pressure after a calamitous start to the campaign, Hodgson has received an assurance about his position from NESV bosses and responded by welcoming a planned takeover Liverpool hope will be confirmed in the High Court next week.
