With the transfer window fast approaching, the rumour mill is heating up and one of the more interesting ones out there concerns Fernando Torres and a possible move to Newcastle United.

It appears the connection between the striker and the club stems from the relationship between him and Magpies manager Rafael Benitez from their time together at Liverpool and Chelsea.

However, the respected Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has poured cold water on the rumour taking to his social media feed on Twitter stating,

“About Torres and Newcastle there is nothing at all going on about it.”

Newcastle have negotiated their return to the Premier League much better than probably even their own fans expected and currently sit in 11th place with four wins and two draws from their first 11 games.

However, the one area where they have been found wanting this season is upfront. Joselu has not been consistent, Aleksander Mitrovic cannot get a place in the squad and Dwight Gayle is injured so there is definitely need for a striker at St James’ Park.

Even though Balague has poured scorn on the rumours, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has chimed in and he believes Torres would be a great signing for the club.

“Rafa knows him, he knows Rafa, and if he is available then I think he’ll do a decent job at Newcastle. I think that is one of the area which Newcastle are struggling with at this moment in time - is scoring goals,” he said in an interview with Coral.

At his peak with Liverpool and Spain Torres was amongst the very best strikers in the world. He is back where it all started for him at Atletico Madrid but at age 33 he seeing limited playing time these days and now could be the right time for a move.