Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone admitted that he has now spoken to Fernando Torres about the fan favourite's future with the club, but would not clarify whether any decision has been made.
Torres' future looks very much up in the air at the moment, with the 31-year-old out of contract next summer when his loan deal from AC Milan expires, and Atletico's FIFA-imposed transfer ban also complicating manners.
"The other day I rightly said that I had nothing to comment because I had nothing," Simeone said. "We have spoken with Fernando and he knows what I think and he has commented to me about what he believes. The conversation will remain with him. We have spoken and that is what is important."
Atletico's hierarchy have said they would like to keep Torres at the club. Last week, Simeone seemed less keen on giving a new contract to the player who has scored just two goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this season, and has recently been sidelined by a niggling ankle problem.
But on Tuesday, Simeone acknowledged that the transfer window brings such doubts to the forefront.
"One is always nervous during these transfer markets," Simeone said during the Copa del Rey news conference. "The agents are always working and the coaching staff is trying to do what is best for the players. What will be decided in the remaining window will be what gives us the possibility to be our best."
Simeone said he was aware that the uncertainty of the open transfer window could affect his teams' play. Atletico Madrid face Celta Vigo at the Vicente Calderon in Wednesday quarterfinal second Copa del Rey leg. The two teams played to a 0-0 draw last week at Estadio Balaidos. Atletico have won their last nine matches playing in Madrid.
"It is normal that the players have this worry," the Argentine coach said. "In the search for what is the best for everyone, we will do what is in our best interests. We have daily conversations about this with everyone. We want those who remain to be happy and to continue to compete."
Simeone would not be drawn into taking sides about comments from La Liga chief Javier Tebas that the Madrid derby date will not be changed, despite Atletico Madrid complaining that the timing favours hosts Real Madrid.
The game was set this week for 4 p.m. local time on Saturday Feb. 27, meaning Atletico will face a tight turn-around as they are playing in the Champions League at PSV Eindhoven the previous Wednesday night.
"In life you can either make excuses or face reality," Simeone said. "I live in realities. There will always be people who want to take advantage of situations. But I am on the sidelines of these votes. What we have left to do is to prepare for the match. In life you can live one of two ways: You can either spend your life protesting or just face reality and move on. I am closer to the second option. That is what there is."