Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has admitted in an interview with Marca that signing Fernando Torres would be "appealing".

What's the word?

Benitez is well aware of the striker's qualities having worked with him at Liverpool.

Unsurprisingly, at the age of 34, Torres does not possess the pace and sharpness that he had during his three-and-a-half-year spell at Anfield.

However, he still managed to score eight goals in all competitions and is now expected to be on the move.

While speaking to Marca, Benitez admitted that he would be keen to bring in Torres on a free transfer, but does not have any expectations.

"I think it will be harder for him to come for him, not because we don't want to. I don't know what's going on in his head, but maybe he is thinking about something else. It would be appealing, but I don't think it would be easy."

Is Torres still good enough?

The Spaniard is no longer at the standard that would warrant him a regular first-team spot.

However, he is still capable of providing an additional option in attack that would be helpful to Newcastle.

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The Magpies struggled for goals this season, netting just 39 in 38 Premier League matches, but they were able to secure safety in 10th spot.

Ayoze Perez ended the campaign as the club's top scorer with 10 goals in all competitions, showing that they need more support up front next season.

As Benitez said, it may be difficult for Newcastle to convince Torres to join, possibly because he could earn a heftier pay package at another club.