Manchester United are reportedly contemplating a bid for Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres as an alternative to Real Madrid's Raphael Varane.
Varane is being tipped to head for the exit door at the Bernabeu this summer, with United said to be very keen on a deal, but they would supposedly face competition from Liverpool for the French World Cup winner.
Furthermore, with the Real Madrid man likely to cost in excess of £60m, Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly has his eye on a younger and cut-price alternative to Varane.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are prepared to do battle with bitter rivals Manchester City for the signature of Torres, who has played every single minute of La Liga football for Unai Emery's side this term, chipping in with two goals.
The 24-year-old is understood to possess a £43m release clause in his Villarreal contract - which expires in 2024 - and the report also adds that City are not desperately pursuing another centre-back given the recent signings of Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake.
Torres, who has also made seven appearances for the Spanish national team, would be expected to become Harry Maguire's long-term partner if he does opt to sign for the Red Devils.
Ben Knapton
