Manchester United are reportedly ready to press firmly ahead with their attempts to sign Pau Torres this summer, amid claims that his price has reduced significantly.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to sign a new defender this summer, with both Phil Jones and Eric Bailly set to depart. Torres was this week identified as one of four defenders the club had shortlisted this summer. The Spain defender has emerged as one of LaLiga’s top centre-backs at Villarreal.
Indeed, a recent report suggested that United had already made contact over a move.
And the fact that Torres is a left footer puts him near the top of Solskjaer’s wish list.
United’s prospects of securing his signing have been given a timely lift too. As per recent reports, Torres would be keen to move to Old Trafford.
There is rival interest too from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. However, it’s stated that Torres’ preference would be a move to the Premier League.
Torres reportedly has a €65million (£54m) release clause in his contract. However, it’s now emerged that Villarreal will accept a fee closer to €50m (£46m). That’s according to ESPN, who claim Torres is keen on a move away from the Yellow Submarine this summer.
That reduced fee is said to have further increased United’s interest. As such, United are now ready to make their move for a player very much their top target.
It’s stated that John Murtough is ready to open talks over a deal and wants to secure his signing before the European Championships this summer.
Having seen the impact that Virgil van Dijk and Ruben Dias have had on their rivals since signing, Murtough hopes the capture of Torres could have a similar positive influence on United.
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Murtough also has to address keeper issue
Indeed, signing a new defender is one of two transfer priorities that lie at the door of United’s new director of football.
His other task is to sort out United’s issue of having two No 1’s in David De Gea and Dean Henderson.
To that end, United look increasingly likely to say goodbye to De Gea this summer. He has been relegated to second choice in recent weeks with Henderson given a run in goal. De Gea is United’s top earner on £375,000 a week, but looks set to be sold.
Saturday’s Paper Talk claims United are on the trail of Jan Oblak.
The Slovenian is regarded as one of, if not the, best keepers in the world. And while he has a €100m exit clause in his Atletico deal, the report claims the deal is possible for two reasons.
Firstly, they state that Oblak is open to the idea of moving to United if they come calling. He has been with Atletico since 2014 and is said to fancy the idea of a change. A move to the Premier League would also see his wages go through the roof.
Secondly, the article proposes that a swap deal between De Gea and Oblak could be an option. De Gea started his career at Atletico, leaving for Old Trafford in 2011.
READ MORE: Scholes claims Solskjaer is ‘clearly wrong’ in judgement of Man Utd position
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James Marshment
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