Aniket Rai
Real Madrid are not happy with Manchester United for trying to sign Villareal man Pau Torres
A report by El Desmarque (h/t Mirror) claims that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ‘very angry’ with Manchester United for entering the race to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres.
Torres has been linked with a move to the Red Devils, with reported interest from rivals Manchester City as well. But the defender is placed high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s shortlist this summer.
United want to sign a partner for club captain, Harry Maguire, despite Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof filling that spot regularly this season. Moreover, the club hierarchy wants a left-footed centre-back in that role.
This means that Torres meets the criteria and would fit the bill well. But this has not made Los Galacticos happy, whose president thinks that United are trying to steal the defender from under their noses.
Battle for Torres
An interest from English clubs would mean an increase in the valuation of the Spanish defender, whose transfer valuation is steadily increasing. He is believed to have a release clause in the region of €60million.
But the cash-strapped Villarreal could also accept a cash plus player move considering the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 24-year-old centre-back’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024.
Torres has featured in 26 games for the Yellow Submarines in a season where they have exceeded expectations to be in 7th position after 28 league games. He would undoubtedly strengthen United at the back.
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With the Red Devils fighting for trophies now, they would know that a young and talented defender like Torres would be a great short, and long-term move.
