Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd transfer news: Ten Hag eyes ‘perfect’ Pau Torres as report says £42m deal within easy reach

Pau Torres, Diogo Jota Villarreal v Liverpool May 2022

Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres has reportedly emerged as the ideal defensive target for new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils need additions all across the pitch if they are to get their new project off the ground. Centre-back is a key area, with the futures of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones reportedly unclear.

As a result, a number of players have supposedly popped up on Ten Hag’s radar for his first transfer window in charge.

Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber, who Ten Hag worked with at the Eredivisie club, is on his shortlist.

According to Marca, though, the Dutch coach believes that Spanish centre-back Torres would be ‘perfect’ for his plans.

Ten Hag wants a centre-back who is confident with the ball at their feet and believes the 25-year-old fits the bill.

What’s more, a deal is reportedly within much easier reach than it was last summer as he is showing more willingness to leave.

Torres refused to leave Villarreal last summer after they won the Europa League final against Man Utd, subsequently taking their place in this season’s Champions League.

And they enjoyed an incredible run to the semi-finals, where they took Liverpool all the way over the two legs.

However, Villarreal finished seventh in La Liga this time around. They will therefore only be playing Europa Conference League football next term.

Torres is consequently more open than he was over a move away from Villarreal.

Nevertheless, he will not come cheap. Marca claims that he would cost Man Utd €50million (£42million), which the Red Devils are willing to spend.

Torres has two years left on his contract and so a decision would soon be due over his future anyway.

Torres a solid Man Utd signing

Pau Torres celebrates for Villarreal

He has enjoyed a fantastic rise at Villarreal, capped off by his latest strong showing this season.

Indeed, he has made 47 outings including playing every minute of his club’s Champions League campaign.

As such, he would come with significant leadership qualities if he moved to Old Trafford.

United interested in Villarreal defender Pau Torres

United interested in Villarreal defender Pau Torres

Pau Torres is a target for Manchester United this summer as Villarreal move is likely

And leadership is a key trait United have lacked this term and which Ten Hag needs to add back into his team.

Overall, Torres has made 134 outings for Villarreal and, at 25, has even more room to develop if he moved to the Premier League.

He is also a 17-cap Spain international and is sure to enjoy more success on the international stage.