Fernando Torres’ performances for Atlético Madrid have done the trick in convincing Diego Simeone, who has given the green light to the board to offer the striker a contract at the end of the season. Torres, on loan from Milan, found the net against Barcelona in the Champions League midweek to give his side the lead in Camp Nou – and was subsequently sent off – but Simeone had reached a decision before that match, based on the striker’s work rate and attitude since the turn of the year.

Now 32, El Niño will be a free agent at the end of the season and he would like to remain at Atlético, where he began his career. The ball is now in the sporting director’s court. At the moment there has been no official contact with Torres’ agents but it is expected that talks will open towards the end of the season. However, Torres is likely to generate interest from other clubs as well. Already, the striker has been offered stratospheric wages to join the Chinese League.

Torres also has offers from the MLS, where he could join former Spain teammate David Villa in New York or Liverpool colleague Steven Gerrard in LA. But Torres’ first option is to remain at Atlético.