MANCHESTER UNITED are on the brink of a £22million swoop for
striker Fernando Torres.
Boss Alex Ferguson is close to a deal with Atletico Madrid for the
Spanish international.
Torres, 22, is likely to switch to Old Trafford in the January
transfer window, four years after Fergie first set his sights on
the hitman and after three failed bids.
Torres has suffered in Atleticos failing season and is torn about
leaving them in a crisis. But Atletico are willing to part with
their star player so they can buy new blood in the window.
Torres signed a new contract last summer as United and Arsenal
courted his signature but part of the deal saw his buy-out clause
reduced.
Torres is the perfect replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy as his
physical presence and skill make him ideal to lead the line.
And with Fergie getting the green light from the Glazer family to
launch a bid for £16m-rated Bayern Munich and England midfielder
Owen Hargreaves it could see Uniteds January splurge top
£38m.
The arrival of Torres means Fergie is ready to let Alan Smith go
out on loan.
