Manchester United will sign Spain striker Fernando Torres for £26million in the summer, according to reports in England.

United have long been linked with the Atletico Madrid frontman and speculation of a move to Old Trafford intensified in the summer after Ruud van Nistelrooy left to join Atletico's city rivals Real.

Torres (22), who has also been heavily linked with Chelsea, moved to head off the reports by signing a one-year contract extension with Atletico.

But it is now claimed Alex Ferguson has agreed to make a down-payment of £5million in a bid to beat Chelsea to the signing of the player who netted four goals at the World Cup.

Torres had a buy-out clause worth £41million in his contract but Atletico have reportedly dropped the price because of United's 'show of faith' and his apparent desire to move to Old Trafford.

Manchester United have refused to speculate on the newspaper report.  PA