The Daily Star newspaper said United have virtually captured the talented Spain striker by agreeing to pay Atletico a down payment of five million pounds (9.4 million dollars).

That would then pave the way for a move, worth 26 million pounds (49 million dollars), to the Premiership ahead of next season.

United have long been linked with the highly-rated Torres, although so have their Premiership rivals Chelsea.

Torres has so far resisted the temptation to play in England, but 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 Spaniard, who scored four goals in the World Cup, recently signed a one-year contract extension with Atletico.

The striker, nicknamed 'El Nino', had a buy-out clause worth 41 million pounds (77.4 million dollars) 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.