Manchester United have reportedly tabled a bid of £25million for Spanish striker Fernando Torres.

Torres who will lead Spain's attack in their World Cup opener against Ukraine in Leipzig this afternoon, has long been linked with a move abroad but his form last season for Atletico Madrid suggested the big money move that has been expected was no longer a possibility.

The 22-year-old has been a talismanic striker for his club for some seasons now and took over the captaincy at the tender age of 21.

United will lose Ruud van Nistelrooy this summer after the Dutch striker fell out with manager Alex Ferguson.

Bayern Munich have admitted interest in him but as yet no agreement has been reached.  His departure would go nowhere near to contributing the money needed to buy Torres however.

United have already offered £10 million to Spurs for midfielder Michael Carrick. Reports yesterday suggested they had raised that offer by £5 million but none were confirmed.

Meanwhile, Uefa Cup winners Sevilla claim they have turned down a new offer from Liverpool for defender Daniel Alves.

According to Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido, Liverpool had an offer rejected but came back with a fresh proposal which was also dismissed.

The 23-year-old Brazilian right-back has spent four years with the Spanish club who are reluctant to let Alves leave.

"We are already talking big money but Sevilla don't want to lose the player," said Del Nido. "What happens when a player wants a change of scenery is that he can't force it.

"Daniel has let the sporting director know that the offer from Liverpool is the most important. But he has not put pressure on us and we don't have a highly strung relationship with him."

25-year-old Liverpool defender Zak Whitbread has agreed has penned a permanent two-year deal with Milwall.

The American spent most of last season on loan at the Den and made 25 appearances for the London club.