Villarreal manager Unai Emery has made clear why Manchester United are targeting his centre-back Pau Torres this summer.
The Spanish defender was one of Emery's trusted players last season making 47 appearances for the La Liga club and scoring an impressive six goals in the process. United are on the lookout for central defenders this summer and MEN Sport revealed this week that Torres is on their shortlist albeit Ajax's Jurrien Timber is their number one target.
Torres has just two years left on his deal in Spain meaning that this could be one of the final occasions the Yellow Submarine will be able to attract a substantial fee for their defender. News of United's interest in Torres will not shock the former Arsenal boss after he explained in 2021, when United was last linked with the Spaniard, exactly how good he is.
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Speaking to Football.London, Emery said: "Pau Torres is an amazing player - I think he’s top. I've been a coach in Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal and I’ve never seen a centre back like Pau Torres.
"I think he’s going to play at the highest level, he’s playing now in the national team but he can play in the top teams in Europe very soon."
This glowing praise will no doubt appeal to Reds fans as they look to re-build their squad.
Central defence has been a perpetual problem for United with the back line being under constant scrutiny. With Eric Bailly and Phil Jones expected to move on, Erik ten Hag will be hoping to sign a defender before the new season begins.
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