Agents of Villarreal defender Pau Torres to travel to Manchester in order to discuss potential move to Manchester United
According to Villarreal’s local newspaper Deportes de Periodico Mediterraneo (h/t Express), Manchester United could be close to signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres, as his agents are willing to travel to Manchester to discuss a potential summer move.
Torres was an instrumental part of the Villarreal team that made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League this term, beating teams like Bayern Munich and Juventus along the way. They eventually lost out to Liverpool, with the English side preparing to meet Real Madrid in the final in a few days’ time.
The 25-year-old has played for the La Liga side his entire life, coming through the ranks at the club’s academy and establishing himself in the first team. His performances for the Yellow Submarines have caught the attention of United, who are in the market for a new central defender.
The Red Devils are familiar with the Spaniard and have seen him perform well up close, when they faced off against Unai Emery’s men last year in the UEFA Europa League final. Torres’ side would triumph over the Premier League giants, beating them in a long-drawn penalty shootout.
Agents willing to travel to Manchester
Although the Spain international has a release clause valued at £50m, Villarreal are open to letting go of their academy product for around £45m. The club are struggling financially, and are therefore prepared to sell him for slightly lower than his price tag.
Aside from United, Real Madrid have also taken a keen interest in making a summer move for the defender. However, it is said that the Old Trafford outfit is more likely to make an approach for the player, given that his agents Tarraga and Fores are willing to travel to Manchester this week to discuss a potential contract.
If the Manchester side were to make a move for him, it would see the second consecutive summer that they have brought in a new central defender to bolster the rearguard. Last year saw the arrival of Raphael Varane from Real, who came amid much hype and fanfare.
Unfortunately, the Frenchman has struggled with injuries and has not been able to live up to expectations in his debut season in England. His partner and club captain Harry Maguire has been poor this term, failing to show any consistency in his performances.
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A defensive signing is expected at the Theatre of Dreams ahead of the new season, with new permanent manager Erik ten Hag taking charge of his first transfer window. The Dutchman prefers to play defenders who are comfortable playing out from the back, and Torres fits the bill.
The Red Devils may not be able to offer Torres Champions League football next season, but he could be lured with a new project at United that is being led by a manager who managed to win a hat-trick of Eredivisie titles with Ajax Amsterdam. It remains to be seen if this is enough to win over the player and his agents if they arrive in Manchester this week.
