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Atletico Madrid are in talks with AC Milan over a deal that could see Fernando Torres return to the Spanish capital, according to widespread reports. Torres left Chelsea for Milan on a two-year loan deal in the summer that was set to take him to the end of his contract with the London club, but he has struggled to live up to expectations in Serie A and there have been claims -- played down by the Rossoneri -- that the agreement could be cut short. The Guardian reported on Monday that Milan were holding talks with Atletico in the hope that, by freeing Torres to return to Spain, they can secure a deal for Alessio Cerci, who has struggled at the Calderon since his summer move from Torino. Marca now believes Torres is "closer than ever" to playing for Atletico again, while AS reported that negotiations are underway and backs The Guardian's claim that Cerci is key to the deal, although the Madrid-based newspaper believes the Italian would prefer a move to Inter. AS adds that Atletico coach Diego Simeone had sent a list of targets to the club's sporting directors on Dec. 12, with Torres the first choice and Bayern's Xherdan Shaqiri, Arsenal's Lukas Podolski and HNK Rijeka's Andrej Kramaric suggested as alternatives. The Guardian and Marca suggest Torres' 150,000-pound-per-week wages may be a stumbling block, but AS believes the player is willing to compromise to secure a move back to the club at which he made his name. The 30-year-old had left Atletico to join Liverpool in 2007 and Rojiblancos president Enrique Cerezo had earlier told AS he would not rule out a deal for the striker. "There is no Torres deal, but that doesn't mean that it's not going to happen," he said. "We have a great team with all positions well covered. Until the transfer window is closed, there is always the possibility of bringing a player in." Atletico assistant coach German Burgos also told COPE: "I don't want to cause a stir as it is just my opinion, but [a return for Torres] would be wonderful." There has also been speculation that Liverpool could be keen to re-sign Torres, but Reds boss Brendan Rodgers refused to be drawn on the matter at his news conference on Wednesday. Rodgers said: "There'll always be speculation. During my time here, there always has been, but as always, I won't comment on any player linked with a move here. "My concentration is on working with the group that's here. If there's a possibility to strengthen in January, we'll take a look at that, for the right type of player." FIFA rules stipulate that players cannot represent more than two clubs in a single season but, as Torres did not play any competitive football for Chelsea this season, he would be eligible to play for another club this season.
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