Fernando Torres Reportedly Eyeing Premier League Return

The rehabilitation of former Red, Fernando Torres—a long process that only began when he finally left Chelsea for Milan and then Atletico Madrid—may be on to a new and exciting chapter as the striker reportedly has his heart set on a return to the Premier League.

According to The Mirror, Torres will be looking to leave Atletico on a loan in search of more first team opportunities, especially with Diego Costa’s imminent arrival to the club. Both Newcastle and Southampton—teams decidedly lacking in striking power right now—are keen on a Torres loan, The Mirror reports.

Whatever deal is eked out, Torres has made it clear that it would be a very short one. The Spanish international has 18 months left on his Atletico contract and would like to retire at the end of that deal. Despite only starting twice for Atletico this season, he wants his final season to be at his boyhood club—no matter how little game time he ends up seeing. Before that happens though, he wants to play as much as he can for the remainder of this season, something that isn’t likely at Atletico.

If Newcastle were to negotiate a loan for Torres, the striker would be reunited with Rafa Benitez, who brought him to Liverpool in 2007 and is reportedly quite keen to work with him again. Regardless of where Torres ends up, it’ll be good to see him in action again before he retires from the game in 2019.