Pau Torres of Villarreal CF celebrates his team's fourth goal during a La Liga Santander match between Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal CF on May 12, 2022 in Madrid, Spain.
(Photo courtesy of Images/Angel Martinez) The 4th Official makes use of photographs from the following photo agency: courtesy of Images
Manchester United are coming closer to signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres in the summer transfer window, according to the Daily Express, as Erik Ten Hag tries to bolster his defensive options ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Dean Jones, a transfer insider, said as much in an interview with GiveMeSport a few days ago.
"From what I've heard, a lot of people close to Pau Torres see this as a transaction that's still moving forward," he stated.
"Sources close to the player say it's on the verge of happening, and Villarreal believe there's a high chance it will."
Villarreal are expected to demand a sum in the region of £51 million for the star, who has two years left on his current contract at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who came through Villarreal's system, established himself as a key player in the club last season after returning from a breakthrough loan spell in the Spanish second division with Malaga in 2018/19.
On June 2, 2022, Spain's defender Pau Torres (L) shakes hands with Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville after the UEFA Nations League, league A group 2 football match between Spain and Portugal. (Image courtesy of CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Images) The 4th Official makes use of photographs from the Images service.
In La Liga this season, the Spanish international put up some impressive figures, averaging one tackle, 0.6 interceptions, and 0.7 blocks per 90 minutes (calculated over 33 appearances). Furthermore, he has been one of his team's star performers this season, averaging 4.2 long balls per match and an average pass accuracy of 86 percent. These figures demonstrate his ability to hang on to the ball when necessary and how he can effortlessly pick up the proper man on the other side of the pitch to launch counter-attacks.
Torres, who stands at 190 centimetres, has won nearly half of his aerial duels and averages 3.1 clearances per game, demonstrating his aerial dominance in and around the 18-yard box.
Is Ten Hag Making the Right Decision?
Given the current situation, the board's first goal should be to sign a quality centre-back once the summer transfer market opens. Without a question, Manchester United's options at the back need to be upgraded in order to tackle their defensive problems - and Pau Torres fits the description.
His arrival at Old Trafford will put him in direct competition with Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane for a starting spot.
Torres, who is 25 years old, is only going to get better with each passing season, therefore it wouldn't be surprising if United spent a lot of money to sign him.
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