Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has admitted that the club hold an interest in signing Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres.
The 34-year-old forward is set to leave boyhood club Atletico for the second time in his career as his contract in Madrid comes to an end this summer, meaning a free transfer is on the cards for the Magpies.
Torres played under Benitez at Liverpool and Chelsea, with the duo forming a strong bond as the striker netted an incredible 72 goals in 116 games during their time at Anfield together, and the 58-year-old has now raised the prospect of a reunion.
Speaking to Spanish publication Marca, he said: “I think it will be harder for him to come for him, not because we don’t want to. I don’t know what’s going on in his head, but maybe he is thinking about something else.
“It would be appealing, but I don’t think it would be easy.”
Torres has netted 243 career goals in 668 appearances, with the Spaniard holding 110 international caps, netting 38 times for his country [Transfermarkt].
OPINION
What a statement this would be from Newcastle if Benitez managed to pull it off. Torres has been one of the world’s best strikers during the course of his career, and despite his days left in the game being numbered, would be a brilliant addition to the Magpies squad. His experience would be crucial, with Torres having won everything under the sun during his illustrious career. In reality though, this one is highly unlikely to happen. Benitez has just admitted that the club would be interested in signing Torres, with no formal approach made yet. Torres’ agent has also seemed to suggest that a move to America or China is on the cards, with the 110-cap Spain international looking for that final big pay-day before he retires. His wages would pose a big issue for Newcastle, who will be looking to keep costs down as much as possible this summer.
