Torres close to Liverpool switch, says press

Atletico Madrid's Spanish international striker Fernando Torres, seen here in February 2007. Spanish press reported that Atletico Madrid star Torres was closer than ever to making a move to English Premiership side Liverpool.

Spanish press reported on Saturday that Atletico Madrid star Fernando Torres was closer than ever to making a move to English Premiership side Liverpool.

Reports claim that Liverpool have offered attacking midfielder Luis Garcia and 32 million euros in an attempt to prise the striker away from Madrid.

"Barring a strange and unexpected turn of events, the Atletico captain will don the colours of Liverpool next season," said El Pais.

And according to sports newspaper Marca, the clubs have agreed on the deal and it is now down to 23-year-old Torres to make the final decision.

On Wednesday the BBC had claimed that the two clubs were in negotiations with Atletico holding out for 45 million euros and Liverpool refusing to let Garcia leave.

Atletico have always said they will never sell Torres despite the Spanish press constantly linking him with moves away from the club.

However the club's major shareholder Gil Marin did say recently that no-one was irreplaceable.