Real Madrid are reportedly viewing Pau Torres as a possible long-term replacement for Raphael Varane, who could leave the club this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid seem to be planning for life after Raphael Varane. The defending La Liga champions have set their sights on Pau Torres, who has a €65 million release clause in his Villarreal contract, over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
Pau Torres joined the Villarreal academy aged just 5 in 2002 and subsequently made massive strides within the youth setup at the club before breaking into the first-team squad in 2016. However, it was not until last season that he finally ended up establishing a foothold in the senior side.
Despite only being a regular for Villarreal for two seasons now, the 24-year-old has come to being rated as one of the best defenders in La Liga. His progress has attracted a bevy of top clubs across Europe, one of which are Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are set to be forced into the transfer market for at least one centre-back in the summer transfer window. Sergio Ramos is already at odds with the club over the terms of a new contract, with his current deal set to run out at the end of the season. In addition, Raphael Varane is also facing an uncertain future at Real Madrid.
The French international, too, is yet to pen a new deal, with his current contract expiring in a little over a year’s time. And, it is being suggested that Los Blancos could be open to cashing in on Varane in the summer if a renewal cannot be agreed, with Manchester United the favourites to sign him.
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Real Madrid, therefore, have to keep their options open ahead of the summer and with that in mind, they have identified Torres as a possible replacement. A mainstay for both club and country, the 24-year-old is exactly the profile of the players that Real Madrid want to target, particularly for their defence.
However, the Merengues will have to pay the big bucks to secure the services of Torres, who has a release clause worth €65 million in his Villarreal contract. While there are other options for Real Madrid to consider as well, it is important to note that someone like David Alaba is now being linked with Barcelona as well.
Pau Torres, though, could be much more approachable, although the finances involved in signing him could put Real Madrid under the cosh. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the Spanish giants manage to land Torres, or if some other suitor emerges in his pursuit to swoop him away in the summer.
