Manchester United Revive Interest In Villarreal Defender Pau Torres

According to latest reports, Manchester United have revived their interest in Villarreal defender Pau Torres. The Red Devils are looking to bring in a new centre-back in the upcoming transfer window and have shortlisted the 25-year-old as one of the prime candidates.

United are certainly out of the top-four race, but are still in contention for a Europa League spot. However, the Rangnick’s men face the threat of finishing in a Europa Conference League spot if they fail to win their last Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace.

With Erik ten Hag set to take over the reins starting this week, Man United are preparing for a major squad overhaul in the summer to help him rebuild a challenging squad. As many as 12 players are set to leave Old Trafford including central defenders Phil Jones and Eric Bailly.

According to Fabrizio Romano (via The Sun), Manchester United have shortlisted 3-4 defenders as potential centre-back signings and Pau Torres has been bookmarked as one of them. However, they haven’t tabled an offer yet as they are waiting for the Dutch manager to take up his position at Old Trafford before going ahead with the deal.

The Red Devils have been closely following the Spanish defenders for some time now. Last summer, Pau Torres was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, but the board opted to sign Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane instead.

Manchester United are discussing Villarreal’s Pau Torres as one of 3/4 options for the new centre back. No proposal made yet, as it depends on Erik ten Hag decision and Man Utd board changes. 🔴🇪🇸 #MUFC

Chelsea are also monitoring Pau.
€55/60m release clause into his contract. pic.twitter.com/K3gItr1aoA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 9, 2022

Manchester Evening News reported last month that United have reignited their interest in the Villarreal centre-half, given defensive reinforcements are crucial for the Manchester club. Pau Torres has been one of the most consistent defenders across Europe this season, dropping regular stellar performances at the back with veteran Raul Albiol.

One of the 25-year-old’s biggest achievements this season has been keeping Bayern Munich from scoring even a single goal at home in this year’s UCL quarter-final and conceding just one at the Allianz Arena. The Spaniard has enjoyed a successful season at Villarreal so far after making it to the Champions League semifinals in a real underdog story. The La Liga club also knocked out Juventus in the Round of 16.

Torres hasn’t just attracted interest from one English club. Last season Tottenham Hotspur had a €60 million bid accepted by Villarreal for the Spaniard, but the player rejected the move. The allure of playing in the Champions League fuelled the defender to reject a move to a club where his wages could have been quadrupled.

United could face a similar issue since the club has failed to finish in a Champions League spot, a major point of appeal for many players across the globe. However, Man United would be eager to look for defensive replacements, with Raphael Varane struggling at Old Trafford and Harry Maguire becoming the butt of heavy ridicule and criticism in the past few months.

According to MEN, the Spaniard would be open to a move away but is in “no rush” to leave his boyhood club, where he has spent his entire club career. It is understood that Torres’ current deal with the Yellow Submarine, signed until 2024, features a release clause around the 60 million euros.

Nevertheless, United faces stiff competition from Premier League rivals, Chelsea, who are also interested in the Spaniard. In the same sense, Chelsea too are waiting for the Todd Boehly takeover before making any concrete attempts or moves for the player.

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