Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer has set his sights on Villareal’s Spanish defender Pau Torres. The 24-year-old centre-back proved to be one of his team’s best players last campaign as the Yellow Submarine won the Europa League – by beating none other than Manchester United in the dramatic final.There is a belief that a deal can be completed to sign Torres in the current transfer window. However, any move is likely to take place only after the European Championship finishes. Torres was one of the players placed on United’s five-man list of prospective defensive signings in the New Year, with fellow target Raphael Varane.Pau Torres has a release clause set to be around 60 million euros. He is gone this summer, for sure. pic.twitter.com/tbJB6Kq437— Simply Barca ???? (@SiempreFrenkie) May 26, 2021 United viewed the Europa League final last month as Torres’s last ‘audition’ before deciding on their prime centre-back target. Club officials believed to have been impressed by his role in Villarreal’s penalty shootout victory.While the club is edging nearer to a deal to sign Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, they are still prioritising a move for a new centre-back. Torres’ natural ability as a left-footer make him an ideal candidate to be the long-term partner for club captain Harry Maguire.Torres has a release clause in his current deal, which lies in the region of $71 million after he penned a contract extension until 2024 two years ago. However, there is some belief Villarreal could yet consider a player-plus-cash offer for Torres if any suitors cannot match such a figure in the current financial climate, although their priority would be to sell him for cash only.Manchester United’s busy summer – record-breaking contract for Pogba, the never-ending Sancho story and luring Varane inPau is currently with the Spanish national team as Luis Enrique’s team continues to struggle with just two draws from their opening couple of matches. Nevertheless, the tall defender is gaining valuable experience with La Furia Roja.”Having played European competition, having passed rounds and having ended up winning the title has made me a more mature player. It showed me that I’m capable of performing in big matches. It gives me confidence and security in myself. It makes me want to embrace the challenges that come.”Maybe one of the challenges to come is going to be Premier League football.
