Pau Torres will again be on Manchester United 's radar as they seek defensive reinforcements at Old Trafford this summer.
The Spanish centre-half is incredibly highly-rated and has previously been linked with a switch to the Red Devils. Erik ten Hag will arrive in the coming months and is set to bring in some new faces as he leads a squad overhaul that could see several members of the backline moved on.
That would further United's need to sign a defender with Phil Jones and Eric Bailly both linked with the exit door. Raphael Varane was signed from Real Madrid in the summer but he's been unable to solidify the defence with skipper Harry Maguire copping regular criticism.
Torres has helped Villarreal overachieved in Europe in recent seasons. The Yellow Submarine claimed their first European trophy last term - beating United in the Europa League final in Gdansk on penalties. This term they again came up against the Red Devils in the group stages of the Champions League and have now progressed into the last four.
They've seen off heavyweights Juventus and Bayern Munich with Liverpool to come in the semi-finals. Torres admits his want to play in the Champions League with his hometown club was a factor in his decision to stay put in Spain.
"In the end, I was more interested in playing in the Champions League with my local team," said Torres when asked why he refused a move to the Premier League. "In a year when the national team has important challenges and, when you make changes, you don’t know how it will go. It was clear to me that it was a year to enjoy the Champions League with Villarreal, close to my family. It’s the fourth time Villarreal have played in the Champions League, and that’s what I was most looking forward to."
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Torres is also on Chelsea's radar as they look to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, which could see United face competition for the defender according to the Telegraph. The Blues however are currently unable to recruit new players whilst they deal with their ownership change following sanctions placed upon them.
Torres' stellar year will no doubt see clubs bid for him in the summer with the 25-year-old also a fixture with the national side ahead of the World Cup this winter. He has previously claimed Villarreal would not stand in his way if he chose to leave. He said: "From minute one, they (Villarreal) told me they would respect whatever I decided. I am very happy at home. I have a contract until 2024 and whatever is best for everyone, we’ll see."
