Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has opened the door to signing departing Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres.

Benitez admits he's interested in signing his former Liverpool star.

"I think it will be harder for him to come , not because we don't want to," the Spaniard told MARCA.

"I don't know what's going on in his head, but maybe he is thinking about something else.

"It would be appealing, but I don't think it would be easy."

Benitez added: "In Liverpool he was sensational.

"Then we went to Chelsea and, although he had a bad time when he arrived, he was essential for us in winning the Europa League."