( CNN ) -- Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists Fernando Torres is happy at the English Premier League club after Manchester City were linked with a multi-million dollar bid for the Spain striker . Torres has scored 18 goals in 22 league games for Liverpool this season but will miss the rest of the campaign after having surgery on a knee injury , meaning the 26-year-old faces a race to be fit for Spain 's opening game in the World Cup against Switzerland on June 16 . City spent over $ 100 million in the transfer market before the start of this season and are currently battling for fourth spot in the league , which would guarantee a lucrative Champions League place . Liverpool , meanwhile , sit in seventh place and look set to miss out on qualification for the money-spinning tournament . It has led to speculation that Torres could be top of City 's wanted list once the season ends . City 's Italian manager Roberto Mancini told reporters : `` We are a top team and I think all the top teams are interested in Torres but sometimes it depends on the player because they want to play in the Champions League . `` For me , he is with Carlos [ Tevez ] , [ Wayne ] Rooney , [ Lionel ] Messi , [ Zlatan ] Ibrahimovic , [ Cristiano ] Ronaldo as the best in Europe . Fernando is a fantastic striker ; all the teams in Europe would like him . '' The City manager did admit a successful pursuit of Torres may only come about if the club can secure Champions League football next season : `` If we do n't get into the fourth position I think it will be difficult , '' he said . Liverpool were knocked out of Champions League in the group stages but have progressed to the semifinal of the Europa League against Atletico Madrid . They lost the first leg 1-0 in the Spanish capital on Thursday . After the game Benitez dismissed the possibility of Torres leaving the club . He told reporters : `` Torres is happy . The thing he 's thinking about now is being ready as soon as possible and that 's it . From the beginning , he 's said he 's been very happy at Anfield . `` We have said repeatedly that Fernando is not for sale and he still has three years of his contract remaining , so how can they sign a player who does not wish to leave ? ''
Liverpool express an interest in signing Liverpool striker Fernando Torres . City manager Fernando Torres says many teams in Europe would like Roberto Mancini . Liverpool manager Torres insists Torres is happy at Liverpool . Torres is currently sidelined with a knee injury .