Pranav Nair
Manchester United are interested in Pau Torres
According to the Times, Manchester United have identified Villareal star Pau Torres as a partner to skipper Harry Maguire.
Although the Red Devils have the second-best defence in the league, the performances of Victor Lindelof has at times raised eyebrows. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bring in a left-footed defender to play alongside his captain.
According to the report, the club has prepared a four-man shortlist of potential targets. This also includes the Spanish international.
The 23-year-old had an excellent campaign with the Yellow Submarines. His performances have also seen him get a call-up for the Spanish national team.
A quick and athletic player, he would add dynamism and speed to a United rearguard that has at times missed both.
United do however face a number of hurdles in recruiting the youngster. Not only do Villareal not want to sell but But Barcelona too have entered the fray for his signature.
According to the Spanish radio station COPE (h/t Metro), the Catalans have earmarked the 23-year-old as an alternative to Manchester City youngster Eric Garcia.
Villarreal will only let Torres leave if his release clause of £45.5m is met. With four more years to go on his current deal, the Spaniards hold all the aces.
Torres has been a strong presence at the back for Villarreal in his 36 appearances this term. He has also contributed with a couple of goals and assists each, making him a threat at the other end as well.
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Despite the improvement made to our backline by Maguire, he has shown the tendency to go flat-footed at times. It would not be the worst choice to bring in another reliable defender to play alongside him.
Whether that is Torres or not remains to be seen.
