Torres Didn't Fancy Newcastle

The Premiership side moved for the Spain international as a back-up plan in case they failed to land their number one target, Michael Owen, who completed a move from Real Madrid to St. James' Park on Wednesday for a fee believed to be around £17m.

However, Torres has told www.atleticomadrid.com that he would not have been keen on a move to England.

"Newcastle's offer came at the last minute when the Primera Liga had already started," he said. "(The club) didn't even listen to the offer. I know how important that money would have been for the club and for that reason I want to thank them for their effort in order to keep me at Atletico.

"The truth is that I'm very happy they didn't negotiate."