Carragher signed his first Liverpool professional contract in 1996

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says the club can be a force in 2010/11 even if key players leave Anfield.

Carragher said: "People always talk about players leaving and saying 'this is the end of Liverpool'. No chance.

"Better players than those we have now have left and we replaced them. I'm sure we'll do well next season."

The two players with the biggest profiles, midfielder Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres, have both been linked with moves to other clubs.

England international Gerrard, 29, a Kop favourite for the past decade, almost signed for Chelsea in 2005.

Now, Real Madrid are thought to be leading a new Europe-wide race to land him, with Manchester City and Inter Milan also in the frame.

606: DEBATE We are building for next season with Torres and Benitez, Gerrard will be here too, the only maybe is Mascherano, hence the Banega link Lt Gnl Red

Spain forward Torres, 26, has scored 56 Premier League goals in his three seasons since arriving in Merseyside from Atletico Madrid for £26.5m.

The potential suitors lining up for him are said to be Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona.

With uncertainty also surrounding the futures of midfielders Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun, not to mention the manager Rafael Benitez, Liverpool appear to be entering a possible transition phase.

But Carragher said Liverpool, who finished a disappointing seventh in the Premier League, had to move on regardless of summer movements.

"I know what it is like after a poor season. There is a lot of negativity," said the 32-year-old who is challenging for a World Cup berth following a voluntary three-year spell on the international sidelines.

"We have had it all season and I am sure we will have it again throughout the summer.

"Obviously I want to enjoy the World Cup and do well. But I can't wait to get back to Liverpool and try to put it right.

"I want the people to come back who want to be there. If anyone doesn't want to be here, no problem. No-one is bigger than Liverpool Football Club."

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