The Sunday Mirror says United's move to land £10 million-rated Italian international Fabio Quagliarella looks doomed after Udinese outbid Sampdoria in a tender to secure the striker's services next season.

So Ferguson has turned his attentions back to long-term target Torres, who now looks likely to leave the club he has supported all his life after Atletico failed to qualify for Europe.

They can raise cash by selling Alan Smith and Giuseppe Rossi, while Louis Saha will also be made available before the end of August if he recovers full fitness after a knee operation.