Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres. (Photo : Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres have reportedly attracted the interest of several clubs in China as he is currently contemplating on the future of his career in Europe.
Sports Mole indicated that the 31-year-old Torres did not earn the favor of Los Colchoneros this season as the La Liga club "turned down the chance" to make his loan contract from AC Milan permanent "at the end of the season".
Torres, who have recently scored a goal in injury time during the team's 3-1 victory over Eibar last weekend, appeared in 17 out of the 23 games Atletico had so far played in the domestic league this season.
Torres has scored only three times in La Liga this season, including the one against Eibar. He was unable to contribute any goals in his eight other appearances in the rest of the competitions.
The Spanish forward was officially signed by Milan in January of last year after a loan spell from Chelsea FC since August 2014. Upon the permanent transfer, he was immediately sent on loan to Atleti just two days later. The loan agreement included Italian winger Alessio Cerci in exchange for Torres.
However, even though the deal has the option for Los Rojiblancos to make the transfer permanent this summer, Diego Simeone's side allegedly did not choose to do so, which means Torres will either be back in Milan or somewhere else if I Rossoneri does not want to keep him.
It was then reported that the Fuenlabrada, Spain native "will seek pastures new at the end of the current campaign" and a move to China is highly probable after "a host of Chinese top-flight clubs are sounding out a move for the experienced forward".
Meanwhile, the Daily Star reported that Torres could become the highest paid footballer in the world if he accepts the offer from a still undisclosed club in China.
His agent, Jose Antonio Martin, recently claimed that "He has an offer (from China) that would make him the best-paid in the world".
If the rumors are true, then Torres could be the next European player to be lured by the wealthy Chinese clubs after Ramires, Jackson Martinez, and Alex Teixeira.
