Barcelona, Real Madrid rule out Fernando Torres swoop

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have taken themselves out of the running to sign Chelsea frontman Fernando Torres.

The future of the 27-year-old is in doubt following reports that the former Premier League champions are willing to sell the striker for £20m, which is under half of the £50m the Blues paid Liverpool for in his switch from Anfield in January.

While the Catalans have no interest in luring a striker to the Nou Camp, a move to Real could prove difficult, according to the Daily Mail, as Torres's boyhood club Atletico Madrid are fierce rivals of Jose Mourinho's side.

A return to the Vicente Calderon is also unlikely as Atletico are in huge debt, which indicates that a lack of funds would halt any attempts to bring back their former star striker.