Manchester United reignite interest in Villarreal defender Pau Torres

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Manchester United are reported to have reignited interest in signing Villarreal and Spain centre-back Pau Torres.

The 25-year-old has been a rock at the back for the Yellow Submarine ever since making his debut for the El Madrigal side six years ago.

The Spain international’s stock has continued to rise year on year and he looks nailed on for a place in Luis Enrique’s World Cup squad and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him start in Qatar for La Roja.

Torres, a left-footed centre-half, first caught the eye of Manchester United when the club were searching for a new defender last summer.

The Red Devils eventually signed World Cup winner Raphael Varane, but according to reports, United’s interest in Villarreal’s number four remains.

90min report that Torres remains on United’s radar and the twenty-time champions are in the market for a new centre-back, but that decision will rest with our new permanent manager, which at this stage looks set to be either Erik ten Hag or Mauricio Pochettino.

With Phil Jones likely to pursue first team football next season, another man who could seek a summer move is Eric Bailly.

The arrival of Varane has bumped the Ivory Coast international down the pecking order and his time at Old Trafford looks to be drawing to a close.

If Unai Emery’s side are potentially interested in re-signing the former Villarreal man, then including Bailly as a potential sweetener in the Torres deal could represent good business for all parties.

With a contract until 2024, this summer may represent the best opportunity for the La Liga giants to get best value for Torres, and with a Champions League spot looking out of reach, Villarreal may have to sell one of their stars to offset the financial losses of not being in Europe’s top club competition.

Torres has continued to impress with United keeping close tabs on him, and the Red Devils were present last month to see him star in Villarreal’s surprise 3-0 Champions League win at Juventus – a game he also scored in.

The ball-playing centre-back didn’t put a foot wrong in the three meetings against Manchester United over the last year and he could potentially be a perfect partner for Varane.

Torres’ addition would crank up the pressure on club captain Harry Maguire, but the additional competition for places that the talented Torres would bring could only bolster a Manchester United backline that has looked vulnerable on far too many occasions this season.