Paris Saint-Germain are targeting a summer move for Villarreal defender Pau Torres, a year after Erik ten Hag persuaded Manchester United not to sign the Spain international.
United had identified Villarreal star Torres as their primary defensive target last summer with the deal said to be 'discussed and negotiated' with the player’s representatives, who had even planned to go to England to wrap up the transfer.
However, Ten Hag put the brakes on the deal by insisting that United move to sign versatile defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax instead. The Argentine international has subsequently established himself as a fans favourite at Old Trafford, forming a defensive partnership with Raphael Varane.
A report in Diario AS builds on a report from L’Equipe that Kylian Mbappe is at the heart of PSG’s summer transfer plans. The club’s midweek Champions League exit was the fifth time in seven seasons they had exited the competition at the Round of 16 stage.
Torres is viewed as being part of their rebuilding project, with Milan Skriniar also set to move to the Parc des Princes from Inter. The future of Sergio Ramos is up for debate – the veteran Spaniard is out of contract this summer and is one of the club’s highest earners, though he impressed during their European loss at Bayern Munich.
The club’s wage bill is a huge concern and they need to drastically reduce their outgoings ahead of next season. That has led to question marks over the future of Ramos, alongside those of Lionel Messi – also out of contract in June – and Neymar, who will miss the rest of the campaign through injury.
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Luis Campos, who plays a huge part in PSG’s transfer strategy, is said to be a huge admirer of Torres. He appreciates his ability to play the ball out of defence and to start attacks from deep.
Campos shares a close relationship with Mbappe, the two worked alongside each other at Monaco earlier in the striker’s career, and they are said to be heavily involved with the sports planning of the Parisian club. Mbappe’s influence has grown since the renewal of his contract last year.
Manchester United ’s defensive numbers have improved immeasurably this season since the signing of Martinez, adding to Varane, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire as the club’s defensive options. Torres is likely to leave Villarreal this summer, with the French capital now his most likely destination.
