Pau Torres' dream shirt number could be waiting for him at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag looks to secure his signing 'at all costs'.
The Dutchman's first signing as Manchester United boss is destined to be a centre-half as he compiles a shortlist including the Villarreal defender and Ajax's Jurrien Timber. Spanish radio station Cadena Ser reports that Torres' transfer to United has been discussed and negotiated, with the player's representatives, who travelled to England last weekend to wrap up the deal.
Torres has been tracked by the club for a lengthy period of time and the Manchester Evening News claims that Ten Hag has been consulted about the possibility of signing him this summer and is said to want the Spain international at all costs. The defender would be a popular signing among United fans and plenty would get his name on the back of their 2022-23 replica kits.
And Torres will be glad to hear that his preferred digit is likely to be available if he arrives at Old Trafford. The 25-year-old wears the no.4 shirt for Villarreal — a number he has worn ever since he returned from a loan spell at Malaga in 2019. He has donned it for each of the last three seasons, meaning he would possibly like to continue the trend at Old Trafford.
The no.4 shirt is currently held at United by Phil Jones but he is one of the many players who is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer as a part of Ten Hag's rebuild, which would open the door for Torres to take his jersey.
Torres opened up about the speculation surrounding his future but isn't fazed about the noise and insists the only offer he has received is a new contract from Villarreal - one that he is yet to sign.
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"Right now there is nothing at all, 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," Torres was quoted as saying by Spanish daily AS.
"There is nothing right now, the only thing I have is the offer from Villarreal, so I am very calm." Torres still has a release clause in his current deal, which runs out in 2024, in the region of £55million, after he penned a contract extension three years ago.
