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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Steven Railston

Cristiano Ronaldo swaps shirts with Manchester United target Pau Torres after Portugal vs Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo swapped shirts with Manchester United transfer target Pau Torres on Thursday night.

Ronaldo came on as a 62nd minute substitute for Portugal as his nation drew 1-1 with Spain in their opening game of the new UEFA Nations League campaign. Bruno Fernandes made the starting line up but Diogo Dalot was an unused substitute.

Torres started for Spain and the centre-back swapped his shirt with Ronaldo after the full-time whistle. United have been interested in Villarreal's Torres for some time now and the Manchester Evening News revealed in April that Old Trafford chiefs retain an interest in the player. It's understood that Torres, 25, would be open to offers away from La Liga this summer.

ALSO READ: John Murtough must emulate Paolo Maldini for Manchester United's summer rebuild.

Torres is back on United's radar a year after he was considered under their previous regime. The central defender was identified as United's back-up option last year during their successful pursuit of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.

Torres is contracted until 2024, but he has a release clause in his current deal, which is in the region of €60million. A year ago, Villarreal were open to a possible player-plus-cash offer for Torres, although it's now understood their priority would be to sell him for cash only.

Erik ten Hag will oversee a major rebuild at United and he's expected to sign a new centre-back this summer. United are also keen on a move for Jurrien Timber, who emerged under Ten Hag at Ajax last season.

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