Manchester United are reported to have been told that defensive target Pau Torres would be keen on a move to Old Trafford were the opportunity to arise.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reported to have been given the green light to spend this summer. As such, the United boss is looking to strengthen in three positions. On his wanted list are a new striker, a right-back and a centre-half. Indeed, a number of big names have been mentioned as possibles to come in as a partner for Harry Maguire.
However, the fact that Torres is a left footer puts him near the top of Solskjaer’s wish list.
Indeed, Torres sits among the top left-footed players across Europe’s top leagues. Previous reports that United chiefs have placed the 24-year-old firmly on their radar.
According to ESPN, United have had contact with Villarreal in ‘recent weeks’ to register their interest.
Spain international Torres reportedly has a €65million release clause in his contract. However, there is a chance of a cheaper deal should they fail to qualify for Europe next season.
United and Villarreal have been kept on opposite sides of the draw and could meet in the final where both to progress that far.
And the future of Torres could also be at stake in the game.
United’s prospects of securing his signing have been given a timely lift too. As per the Manchester Evening News, Torres would be keen to move to Old Trafford.
There is rival interest too from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. However, the MEN states that Torres’ preference would be a move to the Premier League.
That said, any decision on his future is likely to be put on hold until the summer. Torres recently missed a call-up by Spain and will hope to reclaim his spot in time for the European Championships.
Torres has featured 32 times for Villarreal this season keeping nine clean sheets and scoring three goals.
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Beckham sends Solskjaer his support
Solskjaer, meanwhile, has been told by David Beckham that all United supporters are willing him to do well, with the former Red Devils hero stating he’s doing an “incredible” job at Old Trafford.
United are second in the Premier League heading into the latest international break. However, a 14-point deficit to Manchester City means the title is all-but certain to go to Pep Guardiola’s side. Defeat by Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday now means Solskjaer has just one avenue left for silverware this season. And failure to win the Europa League coulod result in Solskjaer’s dismissal, according to one pundit.
Beckham, however, is adamant Solskjaer is doing a great job. Furthermore, he insists his friend is perfectly equipped to handle any negative press.
“You know, I’ve seen some of the criticism,” Inter Miami owner Beckham told ESPN.
“But I suppose when you are a manager at Manchester United and when Manchester United have had the success over the years that they’ve had, there was always going to be a point where people get criticised – whether it’s players, whether it’s owners, whether it’s the manager.
“Ole’s been in the game for long enough to be able to take any kind of criticism. He’s very quiet, he gets on with his job. I think he’s done an incredible job down at United.
“The results are starting to show that, so hopefully that continues. The fans love Ole, we all love Ole and we all want him to do well.
“So when that criticism comes, he’s one person that can take it.”
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