Atletico striker close to second exit from Madrid

 

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres is closing in on a move to Liga MX side Queretaro, reports ESPN. 

 

Torres is a free agent and negotiations between the Mexican side and the 33-year-old are said to be at an advanced stage, with Atletico Madrid opting against retaining the striker’s services despite their transfer ban, which forbids them from registering players until January 2018. 

 

A deal could be struck as early as next week, even if the Liga MX deadline for international moves isn’t until the beginning of September. 

 

Fellow Liga MX side Cruz Azul had also been credited with an interest in the former Liverpool and Chelsea frontman, but are behind Queretaro in the pecking order to sign the striker. 

 

Atletico striker close to second exit from Madrid

 

ESPN also report that Torres will sign a two-year deal with Queretaro, though Atletico’s transfer ban could hold up negotiations as both player and club want guarantees that he is free to move. 

 

Despite a lack of regular game time for Atletico Madrid, Torres still mustered eight goals and a further five assists and, as such, had a direct hand in a La Liga goal every 109.2 minutes last season.