Man Utd step up interest in Villarreal's Pau Torres days before Europa League final
By Sean Walsh
Manchester United have made contact with the representatives of Villarreal defender Pau Torres - less than a week before the two sides meet in the Europa League final.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have long been linked with a move for the Spain international, who will get a first-hand look at his potential future teammates next week.
90min has previously reported that Torres is on United's shortlist of centre-back targets, along with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
And now AS (via Sport Witness) write that United have made it 'very clear' to Torres' representatives that they will pursue his signing in the coming transfer window.
United and Villarreal are set to meet in Gdansk next Wednesday, and fresh reports of the Red Devils' interest will do little to help Unai Emery and his side's preparations.
Torres' release clause stands at €65m, though there is belief that Villarreal would be swayed by bids of around €50m.
However, United aren't alone in the race for the centre-back. AS add that Real Madrid - who Torres coincidentally will also face before the end of the season - have made contact with him directly.
Real could lose both Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane this summer, and the need to bring in a new defender is high on their list of priorities.
Madrid need to beat Torres' Villarreal to have any hope of wrestling the title away from city rivals Atletico this weekend.
The Yellow Submarine are also in need of a win to stand a chance of qualifying for the Europa League, though victory against United next week would bump them up into the Champions League.
Villarreal, based in a small town of roughly 50,000 people, have never won a major trophy in their history, and Torres would write his name into club history with victory in Poland.