Newcastle manager Benitez, who brought Torres to Anfield from Atletico Madrid in summer 2007 and also coached him during his brief stint as Chelsea manager, is aware of the Spain international's desire to return to England, the Mirror reports.

Southampton are also in the frame to strike a short-term deal for the one-time Chelsea striker, according to the paper.

Torres, 33, has only started twice for Atletico but wants to spend next season, the last on his contract, with his boyhood club.

He is eager to play regular first-team football from January until the end of the campaign and the Mirror says that won't be happening at Atleti, where Diego Costa will soon be eligible for selection.

It adds that "the player's representatives have let his desire to leave on loan in January be known to both Benitez and Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino."

The Chronicle says a Newcastle switch is likely to depend on the club's takeover going through, adding that "although acquiring a proven Premier League forward is a priority for Benitez, a move for Torres could prove expensive" if he opts to pursue it.