Atletico are ready to re-sign former captain Torres.
Nearly seven years after leaving Atletico Madrid for Liverpool, Fernando Torres is preparing to rejoin the club from Chelsea, according to Goal.
The striker has been with the Blues for nearly three-and-a-half years after leaving Anfield for a British record £50m in the January transfer window in 2011.
Since then Torres has failed to live up to the price-tag – despite helping the Blues to win the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League – and is out-of-favour under manager Jose Mourinho.
Inter Milan are also thought to be interested in the Spain international, but the 29-year-old’s current wages of £150,000-a-week are a deterrent for many clubs, with Galatasaray and Tottenham Hotspur also though to be keeping tabs.
However, as a former Atletico captain Torres is likely to be more tempted by a return to his home city, especially as under head coach Diego Simeone the club are now La Liga title hopefuls and Champions League regulars.
Atleti are on the lookout for new forwards with top-scorer Diego Costa linked with several destinations – of which Stamford Bridge is one – and David Villa is approaching the end of his career.
Torres has made 30 appearances for Mourinho’s side this season and scored nine goals, although 12 of those have been from the bench as Samuel Eto’o appears to be the boss’ preferred No.9.
All three of the current strike force at the Bridge, which is completed by Demba Ba, are likely to leave the club in the summer and the Spaniard would probably be glad of a fresh start elsewhere.
Read more Chelsea transfer news.
COMMENTS