Villarreal defender Pau Torres has denied being close to a move to Manchester United and revealed he has an offer to remain with the La Liga side.
Torres has emerged as a target for a number of leading clubs this summer following another impressive season both domestically and in Europe. The Spain international also boasts a left foot.
90min understands that London clubs Chelsea and Tottenham have expressed an interest in the 25-year-old, but it is United who are leading the race at this stage.
Sources have told 90min that the move has been given the go-ahead by incoming Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils are in talks over a deal via intermediaries, with Torres’ representatives keen to agree terms to signal intent to make the transfer happen from the player’s side.
However, Torres was coy on his future when speaking to Spanish publication AS, insisting there was nothing to report other than a contract offer from Villarreal, where his current terms expire in 2024.
“Right now there is nothing at all,” he said. “There is talk of many things like every year, I have peace of mind of being where they want me, at the club of my life and I have this offer right now that I value as very positive.
“There is nothing right now, the only thing I have is the offer from Villarreal, so I am very calm.”
Listen now to 90min’s brand new podcast, Talking Transfers, with Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth. This week they discuss West Ham’s Declan Rice contract plans, Gabriel Jesus’ Manchester City future and how Aston Villa still want Yves Bissouma despite adding Boubacar Kamara to their ranks. There’s also chat on Kylian Mbappe’s decision to stay at PSG, Aurelien Tchouameni & Mohamed Salah.
Torres currently has a £55m release clause in his Villarreal deal, though United are keen to ensure they pay closer to £45m for the player.
The player had been a target last summer before United signed Raphael Varane. However, following a poor defensive season for the club – as 90min exclusively revealed at the start of April – United’s interest in Torres remains ahead of the 2022 window, with Ten Hag keen to provide quality competition for Varane and Harry Maguire.
