[theo kawala]

Manchester United will sign Spain striker Fernando Torres for £26million in the summer, according to the Daily Star.

The Red Devils have long been linked with the highly-rated Atletico Madrid frontman and speculation of a move to Old Trafford intensified in the summer after Ruud van Nistelrooy left to join Atletico's city rivals Real.

The 22-year-old Torres, who has also been heavily linked with Chelsea, moved to head off the reports by signing a one-year contract extension with Atletico.

But it is now claimed Sir Alex Ferguson has agreed to make a down-payment of £5million in a bid to beat Chelsea to the signing of Torres, who netted four goals at the World Cup.

The striker - nicknamed 'El Nino' - had a buy-out clause worth £41million in his contract however Atletico have reportedly dropped the price because of United's 'show of faith' and his apparent desire to move to Old Trafford.