Real Madrid are reportedly edging closer to securing the services of Pau Torres, who is valued at €60 million by Villarreal.
According to a report by El Gol Digital, Real Madrid have taken significant steps to land Pau Torres in the summer transfer window. The Spanish giants are prepared to make their move for the 24-year-old Spanish international, who is valued at around €60 million by Villarreal.
Pau Torres has come leaps and bounds since enjoying his breakthrough campaign in 2019/20. In the season gone by, the 24-year-old did not just continue to establish himself as one of the best defenders on show in La Liga but also become a full-fledged Spanish international, although he was usurped by the debuting Aymeric Laporte in the build-up to UEFA Euro 2020.
As for his stint so far at Villarreal, Torres has notched up 87 appearances while chipping in with five goals and four assists. And in 2020/21, he also played a key role as Villarreal won the UEFA Europa League to qualify for the Champions League. His progress in the last couple of years has captured the attention of some of the biggest clubs in the world, none more so than Real Madrid.
Real Madrid have already bolstered their defence this summer by signing David Alaba, who is also their only signing of the ongoing window. However, the versatile Austrian international is likely to be the replacement for Sergio Ramos, which means Real Madrid also need to scour the market for a successor for Raphael Varane, who has joined Manchester United.
In their search for a replacement, the Merengues were initially linked with Jules Kounde, but the French international is inching closer to joining Chelsea instead. As a result, Real Madrid have had to turn their attention elsewhere in search of a long-term solution at the back.
To that end, Alessandro Bastoni is among the options identified by Real Madrid, who have now set their sights on Pau Torres. And it looks like Los Blancos have moved quickly in pursuit of the 24-year-old Spanish international, who is closing in on a €60 million switch to the Spanish capital.
As per the report, Villarreal are open to cashing in on Torres as well, which means that the €60 million move could well be completed soon enough. What now remains to be seen is if Real Madrid do indeed take more definitive steps to seal the deal and land the Spaniard.