United in for Torres

The deal, which is worth close to 40 million euros in total, falls some way short of the symbolic 90 million euro buy-out clause in the contract of 'El Niño'. It runs out in 2008.

The only official bid so far is from Newcastle United for 38 million euros, with a further four depending upon performances.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been said to be preparing bids before this summer's World Cup. Chelsea would go as high as Newcastle, but Spurs and Arsenal value the Spanish international, who has repeatedly denied that he is leaving his childhood club, at closer to 30 million. Spurs' failure on Sunday to qualify for next season's Champions League could put such a splurge on hold.

After a lot of speculation, the source of Atlético's summer spending has been revealed as the 'Invested Bank'.

The club has spent 4 million euros on Mario Andres Pernía, 10 on Tomas Rosicky and 20 on Argentine Kun Agüero, the most expensive signing in its history. Many inside the Calderón and throughout the Spanish capital wondered exactly where a club with debts of 125 million could get such money.

The spree has intensified speculation that Fernando Torres is to leave in the summer. It also effectively guarantees the profitable move to a new stadium on the city's outskirts, opposed by supporters, which will see the council wipe out Atleti's debt in order to get its hands on the valuable land where the Calderón is situated.

When Barcelona celebrated its liga triumph on Sunday with an open-top bus ride through the city, an incredible 1.2 million people poured onto the streets to hail the Blaugrana heroes.

The number is 300 000 greater than that of last season, when the team celebrated its first league title for years. Vice-president of the club Ferran Soriano said the key was that, "Interest in the team has accumulated".

Ronaldinho, Thiago Motta and Maxi López played the bongos and danced with the crowds. If Barça wins its two remaining matches, it will finish with the greatest number of points of any Spanish side- 88- in sixteen years.

Liga standings