According to Goal, Barcelona have identified the Spanish international as their prime transfer target in January and it is understood that Torres has informed City that he is keen on a move to Camp Nou. Barcelona, who had tried to acquire Torres before his move to England, is said to have reached an agreement in principle with the Premier League champions for an eventual homecoming for the Spaniard. Barcelona who have recruited icon Xavi Hernandez to lead them back to the summit of European football is slowly steadying their ship after a tumultuous few years over the past few years.

Barcelona's financial woes off the pitch meant that they have sold Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann last summer and are a few attackers short after not adequately replacing them. Recruiting Torres who has established his talents and could add to them is an attractive proposition for Xavi who will hope to have at his disposal in January. The Catalan club will have to sell a number of other players first in order to be in line with their financial obligations before offering a substantial amount for the 21-year-old.