Fernando Torres returns to Liverpool to shadow Jurgen Klopp in training

Fernando Torres has returned to Liverpool to shadow Jurgen Klopp for the day while the team were in training ahead of their game against Brighton on Sunday.

Klopp is leaving Anfield at the end of the season, which has sparked rampant speculation about his replacement - but it won't be Xabi Alonso, after he reaffirmed his long-term commitment to Bayer Leverkusen.

Torres, who was a Liverpool player from 2007 until 2011, and currently managing the under-19s at Atletico Madrid, was at the club's training ground on Friday to meet players like Mo Salah, and shadow the manager.

The 40-year-old was invited to oversee training ahead of Brighton, with the intention to give him first-hand management experience from Klopp and assistant manager Pep Lijnders before the German gaffer leaves the club.

Torres told the club's X (formerly Twitter) page: 'I've had the opportunity to see how everything works from the inside, which is great.

'I'm a big fan of Jurgen and his staff and all around the AXA training facility, which is very different than when I was here.

'So obviously the club grows a lot, and I have the chance to see why.

'There are many reasons. It's amazing to be here and to be able to meet with Jurgen and Pep and all the staff to learn and try to understand the Liverpool way.'

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is one of those who is being considered for the top job at Anfield next term, especially now that Alonso has withdrawn from the running.

Speaking at Friday's press conference, Alonso said: 'There has been a lot of speculation around my future, we have been busy and focused and I wanted the international break to reflect a bit better.

'I had a very good meeting with the decision makers, and I decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. I