Newcastle United have reportedly been put on red alert as Atletico Madrid legend Fernando Torres is looking to leave the La Liga side.
The Mirror claims that the 33-year-old is eyeing up a potential return to Premier League football and his representatives have informed the Magpies of his availability in the January transfer window.
The newspaper reports that fellow Premier League side Southampton have also been alerted about the striker and any club interested will have to pay part of his annual salary of £2.2million.
Good move for Newcastle?
Acquiring the services of one of the most talented strikers of his generation would be a massive coup for the Magpies.
Although Torres is remembered for his disappointing spell at Chelsea, the striker was unplayable throughout the majority of his three-year stint at Liverpool.
Torres has also enjoyed wonderful success on the international stage with the Spain national team, winning back-to-back European Championships and lifting the World Cup in 2010.
In his ten appearances with Atletico this season, the striker has only managed to complete 90 minutes on one occasion which came in a Copa del Rey match against Elche last month.
Over the last couple of matches, Rafa Benitez’ side has struggled in front of goal, scoring just once in three Premier League matches.
Torres, who is reportedly looking to prove himself once more in England, would be the perfect man to come in, lift the crowd and get the goals that can steer the Magpies comfortably away from a potential relegation battle.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
Benitez will play a massive part in this potential deal as he was manager who signed Torres for Liverpool.
With summer signing Diego Costa eligible to feature for Atletico at the start of next year, Torres will surely play second fiddle which could accelerate his desire to leave Spain in January.
Although the report claims that Torres also has offers from the States and China, he seemed to enjoy his football in England and Newcastle would certainly be the perfect place for him as the St James’ Park faithful will take to him.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10