Villarreal defender Pau Torres has been attracting interests from round England with powerhouses Manchester United and Chelsea leading the chase for the defender. Both clubs are in the market for defensive reinforcements as United centre-back Eric Bailly is keen on leaving this summer, leaving a space for a new defender, particularly a centre-back with European experience.
Chelsea are also shopping for centre-backs as mainstay defender Antonio Rudiger is leaving for Real Madrid and also Andreas Christiensen is going to be unveiled as a Barcelona player in June. With Cesar Azpilicueta’s future still uncertain, with Barcelona interests circling, Chelsea may need more than just Torres.
Villarreal are reportedly set to part ways with the Spain international for as much as £54m. Manchester United were the first club to approach Torres about his availability in the summer. The 25-year-old however is unfazed with all the speculation about where he will be next season and remains dedicated to the Yellow Submarines as they continue to fight for European places in the La Liga.
Manchester United’s defence has come under heavy scrutiny this season with rather dismal performances that are questionable. In 2019, Manchester United spent £130m on two defenders; captain Harry Maguire and right-back Aaron Wan-Bisakka, who both signed from Leicester City and Crystal Palace respectively.
Torres won the UEFA Europa League last season, when Villarreal defeated Manchester United in the final on penalties in the most dramatic manner. He has been a big part of Unai Emery’s team. Villarreal will not accept any amount less than £50m for Torres. The defender has been monitored and scouted by other clubs asides United and Chelsea.
Milan are also interested in the 6’3” defender as well as Dortmund. However both teams have been put off by the price tag of the Spaniard as they see him as ”too expensive”. Torres was on the Spanish team that made it as far as the semi-finals at Euro 2020, losing to eventual winners Italy. Many Spanish media outlets believe Torres will prefer Chelsea to Manchester United.
Villarreal teammate Giovanni Lo Celso is set to sign permanently for the Yellow Submarines at the end of the season. He is enjoying his football at the club and is set to sign a four-year deal. Lo Celso will join former Spurs teammate and compatriot Juan Foyth who has really settled well at the Ceramica and has been Emery’s first choice right-back.
Torres’ agent has refused to speak on his client’s future and insists the player is fully focused for qualifying for a European place at Villarreal at the end of the season.
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