Newcastle United are not interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, according to reliable journalist Guillem Balague.
The Sky Sports reporter and Spanish expert has claimed on his personal Twitter account that there is no such link between the Magpies and the 33-year-old.
He has reported that “there is nothing at all going on” and that the deal is not being proposed.
About Torres and Newcastle: there is nothing at all going on about it pic.twitter.com/tZIGRFy08f
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 16, 2017
Newcastle have been heavily linked with a move for the Spanish centre-forward recently and the Mirror has claimed that the Premier League side have been put on red hot alert over his potential signature.
It was reported that Torres may be allowed to leave in January on loan and that Rafael Benitez had been alerted to the situation, while Southampton were also mentioned as keen.
He has made 10 appearances so far this season for Atletico, but has struggled for minutes and has mainly been used as a substitute.
Good move for Newcastle?
Torres has won pretty much everything you can win in both domestic and international football, making him a true modern great.
The striker would be an exceptional buy if he was to arrive at St James’ Park and the fact that he is yet to score this season is a reflection of his lack of minutes.
He did manage 10 goals last season for Atletico and would certainly be brilliant for experience to younger players at Newcastle in the second half of the season.
The Magpies also have some strikers that are struggling this season and Benitez would surely love a reunion with Torres to impart his wisdom.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle’s link with Torres appeared to be a genuine one and the presence of manager Benitez seemed like a crucial factor.
However, reliable journalist Balague has rubbished the speculation and is adamant that the deal is not in the pipeline.
Torres is set to continue to struggle this season at Atletico and it would be no surprise to see his Newcastle link resurface in January.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10