Fernando Torres In Advanced Talks To Complete Move Away From Atletico

After being linked with a surprising switch to Mexico over the weekend, it does indeed seem likely he'll ply his trade in North America but just not for Cruz Azul.

The Mexican side were reportedly set to offer Torres a lucrative contract. Their boss Paco Jemez was hellbent on snapping up the striker but it seems he's going to reject their advances in favour of another side in Mexico.

_{Torres marks his goal with his trademark celebration. Image: PA}

Instead, the 33-year-old is on the verge of completing a deal with Queretaro. Torres is in 'very advanced' talks with the Liga MX club in view to a permanent deal, according to ESPN.

The free agent could seal the deal as early as this week. It's believed he'll put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal and will pocket a cool £3.8 million a year.

_{Torres celebrates after scoring a goal. Image: PA}

The transfer to Queretaro should be completed despite the Court of Arbitration for Sport upholding Atleti's transfer ban. All parties involved are hopeful that the out-of-contract striker is free to move away from the club.

Torres returned to his boyhood team on loan in 2014 before signing a permanent deal. This season he bagged 10 goals from 45 appearances in all competitions.

_{Torres saying goodbye to the Atleti faithfuls. Image: PA}

But just like in 2007, when he left for Liverpool, Torres will once again end his association with the club as he opts for a new challenge.

It's not the first time Queretaro have acquired a high-profile player. World Cup winner Ronaldinho signed for the club in 2014 playing 29 games.

_{At least for Atleti, it looks like Griezmann will be staying. Image: PA}

Meanwhile, Diego Simeone will lose one of his attacking options as they are engulfed in a transfer ban. Though their situation is eased with Antoine Griezmann expected to remain with the side despite heavy speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The transfer ban also prevented them from signing red-hot Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette.

Topics: Fernando Torres

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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