Rio de Janeiro, Dec 19 (IANS): Rio de Janeiro football giants Flamengo could make an offer to sign Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres next year, according to reports in the Brazilian media.

A representative of the Spaniard held preliminary talks with Palmeiras and Flamengo, but only the latter showed interest in the 33-year-old, Globo Esporte reported on Monday, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Flamengo liked the idea, paving the way for negotiations," the news service said.

Flamengo are said to see Torres as a possible replacement for Peru striker Paolo Guerrero, who is serving a one-year ban after testing positive to a stimulant.

The five-time Brazilian Serie A champions did not immediately comment on the report.

Torres, whose contract with Atletico Madrid expires on June 30 next year, has scored just three goals in 18 matches for the Spanish club this season.

Once considered one of the finest strikers in the game, Torres has been capped 110 times for Spain's national team, scoring 38 goals. He was a part of the Roja team that won the 2014 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European championships.