Man Utd learn Pau Torres transfer stance as Real Madrid and Barcelona end interest - 7M sport

Man Utd learn Pau Torres transfer stance as Real Madrid and Barcelona end interest

Manchester United could be in pole position to sign Pau Torres from Villarreal in the summer transfer window.


Posted Monday, April 19, 2021 by Express.co.uk

Villarreal defender Pau Torres would be open to joining Manchester United in the summer transfer window, according to reports. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks after impressing in La Liga over the course of this season.

Torres has featured in 27 league matches for Villarreal since the beginning of the campaign, helping to keep seven clean sheets in the process.

The defender's performances have helped Unai Emery's side to stay in the hunt for a top-five finish, while they are still capable of winning the Europa League after progressing to the semi-finals of this year's competition.

The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been tipped to sign Torres, who is widely expected to seek a fresh challenge during the summer months.

However, it seems as though United could be in pole position to secure his signature ahead of the El Clasico pair.

Torres 'would welcome' the chance to join the Red Devils ahead of next season, according to Spanish outlet La Razon.

Man Utd learn Pau Torres transfer stance as Real Madrid and Barcelona end interest
Torres has been heavily linked with United

The report also claims that Real and Barca have ended their respective pursuits of the Villarreal man and will focus on other defensive targets, potentially giving United a clean shot at his signature.

Los Blancos are aiming to land David Alaba, who is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the campaign, on a free transfer instead.

Meanwhile, their Catalan rivals are currently in the midst of a crippling financial crisis and have set their sights on Manchester City's Eric Garcia, with the Spaniard also expected to be available for nothing in the summer.

Villarreal boss Emery previously revealed his belief that Torres is more than capable of mixing it with the world's best players at an elite club.

"Pau Torres is an amazing player, I think he’s top," Emery told football.london last month.

"I've been a coach in Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal and I’ve never seen a centre back like Pau Torres. I think he’s going to play at the highest level.

"He’s playing now in the national team, but he can play in the top teams in Europe very soon."

United are on the lookout for a new left-sided central defender to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of their back four.

Torres appears to fit the bill perfectly, with the left-footer's strong technical ability and excellent positional awareness standing him in good stead to succeed with the 20-time Premier League champions.

His release clause is believed to be in the region of £56million, but Villarreal are reportedly willing to accept a bid of around £43m with the knowledge that many clubs are struggling to deal with the adverse financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The defender is understood to be high on Solskjaer's list of summer targets, but it remains to be seen whether United will act on their interest or pursue other avenues.

The club are also keen admirers of Real centre-back Raphael Varane, with the Spanish giants supposedly prepared to listen to offers for his services this summer, while Sevilla's Jules Kounde has also been linked with the Red Devils.



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