Fernando Torres offered escape route

Atletico Madrid's manager, Diego Simeone, has opened the door for Fernando Torres to return to his former club.

Simeone told Spanish radio station Onda Cero: "Fernando knows about the club's history, what it means to play here, and I don't need to speak about his ability. We were team-mates. I know how important he can be." Chelsea want Atletico's Colombian striker Radamel Falcao as a replacement. He would cost around £48 million but Chelsea would be interested in a part-exchange deal involving Torres.

Real Madrid's manager, Jose Mourinho, dropped hints for Internazionale and Chelsea fans by declaring: "Next season I could return to somewhere I've already been." The Special One also said: "I have an adventurous spirit and do not know what will happen."