Fernando Torres: Atletico Madrid forward told he can leave club in the summer

Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres has reportedly been told he can leave the La Liga club in the summer by head coach Diego Simeone.

Torres, 31, returned to his boyhood club on a loan deal from Serie A giants AC Milan in January 2015 but has struggled to find form at the Vicente Calderon.

Atletico are barred from signing new players in the next two transfer windows for breaching Fifa's rules on transfers of players under the age of 18, so they will have to agree a fee with Milan before the January transfer window shuts if they want to make Torres's move permanent.

However, Catalan daily Sport reported that the former Liverpool and Chelsea forward had been told by Simeone that his services would not be required beyond the summer.

The Atletico boss was guarded when asked about Torres's future during a press conference on 27 January.

"I said the other day there was nothing to say because there wasn't. I've spoken to Fernando and he knows what I think and he's told me what he thinks," Simeone was quoted as saying by AS.

"What was said is reserved for the two of us. We've spoken, which is the important thing."

Torres has scored two goals in 16 league appearances for Atletico this season, with his last goal for the club coming against Eibar in September.

January additions

Meanwhile, Simeone said he was looking to make additions to his squad before the transfer window closes on 31 January.

"There's always restlessness when the market is open. There are representatives and technical departments working for the good of the players," he was reported as saying by Football Espana.

"What we decide while the market is open is to give us the chance to be better.

"It's normal for there to be concern. We look for the best for everyone. There are daily talks, with everyone. Hopefully those who are here can stay happy."