Manchester United are reportedly determined to bring Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.
The 25-year-old has again been in strong form for the Yellow Submarine during the 2021-22 campaign, making 42 appearances in all competitions, contributing five goals in the process.
Torres has enjoyed an impressive La Liga season, scoring four times in 29 appearances, while he has played a key role in his side's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, featuring on 11 occasions, scoring once.
The Spain international was strongly linked with a move away from Villarreal last summer, with Tottenham Hotspur believed to have been pushing to sign him, but the defender remained with the Yellow Submarine to represent them in the Champions League this term.
However, with little over two years left to run on his current deal, Torres is widely expected to leave his La Liga club in the upcoming market.
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Chelsea have been strongly linked with the Spaniard, but the Blues are now believed to be progressing in a deal for Sevilla's Jules Kounde, and according to TodoFichajes, Torres will head to Manchester this summer.
The report claims that Man United are determined to sign the centre-back but will face strong competition from Manchester City, with Citizens boss Pep Guardiola also a firm admirer of his talents.
Villarreal allegedly value Torres in the region of €60m (£50.3m), but the two clubs will attempt to lower that figure during this summer's transfer window.
Man United are believed to view the Villarreal defender as an ideal replacement for Harry Maguire, who has struggled to impress during the 2021-22 campaign, with the England international's future at Old Trafford believed to be in severe doubt.
The Red Devils signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid last summer, but the Frenchman has struggled with injury problems this season, while Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe could all potentially leave Old Trafford in the upcoming market.
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Torres came through the youth system at Villarreal, representing the club's various youth teams, in addition to Villarreal B, before making his first-team debut in 2017.
The 17-time Spain international has been a key player for the Yellow Submarine over the last three seasons after spending the 2018-19 campaign on loan at Malaga.
In all competitions, Torres has represented Villarreal on 129 occasions, scoring 10 times and contributing four assists, but this season could be his last at Estadio de la Ceramica.
Man United have struggled defensively during the 2021-22 campaign, conceding 52 times in their 35 Premier League matches, which is the second-worst record in the top half of the table.
The 20-time English champions are expected to sign at least one new full-back this summer, but improving the squad in central defence will also seemingly be a priority ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, as the Red Devils look to get closer to Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the division.
Matt Law
