Pau Torres is reportedly ready to snub Real Madrid and join Manchester United instead in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by El Gol Digital, Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Pau Torres. The Spanish international favours a switch to Old Trafford instead of Real Madrid in the summer transfer window and has communicated his decision to Villarreal as well.
Pau Torres has established himself as one of the best defenders in La Liga since finally enjoying a breakthrough season with Villarreal in 2019/20. This term, he has only gone from strength to strength, having become a pivotal figure in Unai Emery’s side, making 32 appearances across all competitions while also chipping in with 3 goals.
However, ahead of the summer transfer window, it appears as if the 24-year-old could be set to call it quits at Villarreal, with his exploits attracting the interest of a number of top clubs across Europe. Chief among the suitors, though, are Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Real Madrid are facing a precarious situation over the futures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane as the former’s renewal negotiations have dragged on for months now while there have been claims that the latter is seeking a new adventure in the summer. While a move for David Alaba has been mooted, the Merengues would probably need another centre-back in the summer.
To that end, they have set their sights on Torres over a possible move in the summer. However, Real Madrid have been facing stiff competition from Manchester United in pursuit of the Spaniard, with the Red Devils keen on bolstering the heart of their defence ahead of next season.
The interest in Torres makes a great deal of sense, considering Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly’s struggles with their respective fitness issues. In addition, Axel Tuanzebe is yet to establish a foothold in the first-team setup while captain Harry Maguire has also been prone to the odd error. To that end, Torres is a viable target for Manchester United.
It had also emerged recently that the 24-year-old is open to joining the Premier League giants, and it now looks like he has his heart set on making the switch to Old Trafford ahead of Real Madrid. His €65 million valutation is also within Manchester United’s budget and for all intents and purposes it looks like a summer move is on the horizon.
In fact, Torres has already communicated his decision to Villarreal as per the report and it might just be a formality for him to make the move to Manchester United come summer. As for Real Madrid, they must turn their attention to another target quickly to reinforce their backline when the transfer window opens in the coming months.