Erik ten Hag was unveiled by Manchester United earlier this week and the Dutchman is busy at work, with his impressive media appearances going down well with supporters so far.
The former Ajax boss is set to oversee wholesale changes to the squad this summer, with several players expected to leave the club and incomings will be needed to rejuvenate United’s underwhelming group.
United are in dire need of defensive reinforcements, with their 57 goals conceded this season being their worst-ever tally in a Premier League campaign.
Links to Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber have been persistent but Pau Torres, the Villarreal star, has long been paired with a possible move to Old Trafford.
According to Marca, via Sport Witness, United are most interested in signing the Spain international and are willing to stump up €50m to secure his services.
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El Periodico Mediterraneo shed further light on the situation, adding that should United reach an agreement with Villarreal over Torres’ transfer, the players agent is planning on traveling to Manchester to discuss contract terms with the Old Trafford hierarchy.
As per the report, Torres would prefer to stay in Spain but United’s willingness to pay €50m gives them the upper hand over any domestic club, with a move to the club now thought to be the next step in his career.
SN’s verdict…
Torres has just two years remaining on his contract and traditionally, that is when clubs are most inclined to cash in on their assets as their value depreciates when they enter the final two seasons of their term.
The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Champions League, helping his Villarreal side to an unprecedented semi-final, and is an established Spanish international, often paired with Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte.
€50m is a hefty transfer fee for a defender and considering United’s heavy investments over the last few years, which include big deals to sign Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Raphael Varane, there is an argument to say that a cheaper option would be more sensible at this point.
United’s budget is unknown but their failure to qualify for the Champions League is likely to affect their spending, although there is an acceptance that investments are needed if Ten Hag is to succeed.
