Manchester United have reportedly emerged as a possible destination for 25-year-old Villarreal defender Pau Torres.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Manchester United are plotting a sensational swoop for Villarreal ace Pau Torres in a bid to strengthen their existing squad. The Red Devils did bring in a plethora of new signings this summer and would need another few to execute Erik ten Hag’s plan to perfection.
Harry Maguire has been at the receiving end of severe criticism, as the English defender has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Lisandro Martinez. Martinez and Raphael Varane have provided an extra bit of assurance to the Manchester United back line and ten Hag will likely prefer them as the first-choice central defensive pairing as it remains.
Victor Lindelof is also unlikely to play second fiddle, so signing a defender could be on the cards in the near future. Manchester United sounded up Villarreal about a possible deal this past summer, but ten Hag emphasised on securing a deal for Martinez, with whom he is very familiar.
Torres is like any other modern-day centre-back, who loves to pass the ball with sheer precision. Despite not being physically very astute, he has managed to deal with the physicality pretty well and should be ranked among Spain’s top defenders.
Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly also keen on the player and want to pursue a deal for the 25-year-old Spanish international. The Yellow Submarine have somehow kept hold of their most prized asset, but Torres will enter the last year of his current deal next summer.
Villarreal will run the risk of losing him free and a cut-price deal could thus be agreed upon next summer. Manchester United will have significant funds available should they secure UEFA Champions League football. The Red Devils are on a four-match winning run in the Premier League, and ten Hag will do everything to turn the tide in his side’s favour.
Torres’s stock could rise after the 2022 FIFA World Cup as he is expected to be one of the first players to be selected in Luis Enrique’s starting lineup for Spain, and Villarreal will be in a better position to negotiate a deal. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United will come up with a better offer or they take up the wait-and-watch game.
