The line coming out of Madrid-based newspaper AS is that Real Madrid will not be pursuing Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres, even with Raphael Varane likely to leave, as well as a possible bid from Manchester United before the transfer window shuts.
Reports have long suggested that Manchester United were keeping an eye on the 24-year-old Spain international, who was part of the Villarreal side that won the Europa League in Gdansk last month.
Of course, there’s not a single Real Madrid player in Spain’s Euro 2020, so it was thought that Torres would be at the top of their list to replace Varane — and it looks like Sergio Ramos will be leaving too.
AS claim United see Torres as the ideal choice for price, age and performance to partner Harry Maguire in the heart of defence.
Let us know in the comments section if you would prefer Torres or Varane this summer?
Read more: Pau Torres responds to reports linking him with Manchester United move
United would be best to offer Paul Pogba to Real Madrid in Exchange for Varane. Pogba CAN be exceptional, but United see it so infrequently. They have Donny van de Beek as a ready made replacement for Pogba. United would also then not have to suffer the toxic Mino Raiola, another plus point.
United also need to buy Torres and sell both Lindelof and Bailly, leaving Torres and Tuanzebe as back ups.
The two sales, an exchange and a purchase would mean united have had a zero net spend, whilst improving the squad.
If Trippier is wanted by Solskjaer, offer Dalot in exchange, another zero cost transfer achieved.
Spend £80, million plus Lingard on Declan Rice.
Spend £75, million on Jadon Sancho.
Exchange Anthony Martial for Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan, the balance being the amount still owed from the Lukaku deal. Offer Hannibal Mejbri on loan to cover for the loss to Milan of Christian Eriksen as a sweetner, this will give Mejbri first team exposure.