Reds close in on Torres
29 Jun 2007 - 08:37:21
Liverpool appear to be on the verge of completing a deal to bring Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres to Anfield.
It has been reported that the two clubs have agreed a fee in the region of £27million for the Spain international and the Reds are now set to finalise personal terms with the player.
Luis García is set to move in the other direction as part of the deal. He was transferred to Liverpool three years ago for £6million but boss Rafa Benitez is willing to sell him for £4million to help push Torres' deal through.
Atletico fans have protested against the sale of Torres, but their major shareholder, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, said: "No one is irreplaceable.
"We have to build a competitive team and no one player, however good he is, can achieve our objectives on his own.
"Last time I spoke to Fernando he said he was staying but I can't prevent him having a change of heart and I have to be prepared for that."
Torres has been the leading scorer for Atletico in the last four seasons, as well netting 14 times in 42 appearances for his country.