Manchester United have reignited their interest in signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres ahead of the summer transfer window.
United intend to sign another centre-back this summer, with Torres back on their radar a year after he was considered under their previous regime. The 25-year-old central defender was identified as United's back-up option last year during their successful pursuit of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.
The Manchester Evening News understood that Torres would be open to offers at the end of the season, although he is in no rush to leave Villarreal as his main focus is on a strong end to the season with his boyhood club. The Spain international has spent his entire career playing for the club and has played every minute of their incredible run to the Champions League semi-finals this season.
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It is understood Torres still has a release clause in his current deal, which is in the region of €60million after he penned a contract extension until 2024 three years ago. A year ago, Villarreal were open to a possible player-plus-cash offer for Torres, although their priority would be to sell him for cash only.
United eventually eased their defensive dilemma by completing the signing of Varane from Real Madrid. The French international has impressed in his debut season at Old Trafford but has already missed 15 matches through injury or illness — a factor that has contributed to United's desire to add another defender at the end of the campaign.
United are also prepared to let Eric Bailly and Phil Jones leave, with both players open to moving this summer. Ivory Coast international Bailly has played seven times for United this season, while Jones has started once in the last two years. Axel Tuanzebe could also leave after two poor loan spells with Aston Villa and Napoli.
United have already held exploratory discussions with the representatives of Antonio Rudiger, whose Chelsea contract expires in the summer, but there is little expectation of a deal going through.
Sources close to the player are more focused on discussing potential contracts with clubs guaranteed of playing in the Champions League next season. Although United are three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, their next three fixtures are away at Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as Chelsea at home.
