Manchester City have joined the chase for Spanish centre-back Pau Torres, with Manchester United also interested in the Villarreal ace.
According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Manchester City are ready to battle rivals Manchester United and possibly Tottenham for Pau Torres in the summer transfer window. The Villarreal defender has a €70 million release clause, which could be negotiated if the offer is reasonable.
Pau Torres has been on the radars of multiple Premier League teams after producing several breakthrough performances for Villarreal. The defender helped the Spanish club to UEFA Europa League glory last term, and this season, the Yellow Submarine are in the Champions League semi-finals, with Torres putting in inspired performances in the aggregate win over Bayern Munich over two legs.
The Spanish international was subject to an offer from Tottenham last summer after the Europa League final. Villarreal rejected the proposal worth a reported €50 million, as they kept hold of their star centre-back. Their decision seems to have been vindicated, as Torres continues to excel under Unai Emery.
Villarreal are reportedly open to selling Torres in the summer if a reasonable offer close to the €70 million release clause arrives. The La Liga outfit would love the entire release clause to be paid, although they are ready to accept proposals around the €60 million mark.
Tottenham are keen on signing Torres, despite being rejected by the player last summer, as Antonio Conte eyes a solid centre-back in the next window. The north Londoners face tough competition from Manchester United and Manchester City, with the latter becoming the latest Premier League team to showcase an interest.
Despite having a solid lineup at the back with Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones as the central defensive options, Pep Guardiola may want another top-notch option next season. The idea of starting Spain’s first-choice central defenders could also be a tempting prospect for the Manchester City manager.
The Premier League champions certainly can pay big money for essential players. €60-70 million represents a sum Manchester City paid for some of their existing centre-backs like Dias and Laporte, and they could splash the cash on a new defender in the next window.
However, they face competition from arch-rivals Manchester United, who are ready to reignite their interest in Torres. The Red Devils witnessed the defender’s talents during their defeat in the Europa League final to Villarreal last season and remain keen on bringing the centre-back to Old Trafford.
Manchester United could look to hold talks with Villarreal, although finances will matter to crack this deal. Manchester United certainly have the money to make it happen, but the execution of a deal will also depend on new manager Erik ten Hag, as he needs to approve the pursuit.
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As things stand, Torres could leave Villarreal in the summer, and the Premier League could well be his next destination. It remains to be seen which English giant convince the defender to swap places, although it may be a straight battle between Manchester United and Manchester City.