Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea back in for Pau Torres after Champions League heroics

Cameron Smith

• 26 Apr 2022 16:35 BST
• 3 min read

Three top Premier League clubs have been alerted by Pau Torres' uncertain future at Villarreal as the summer transfer window draws closer.

Torres, 25, came through the academy system at Villarreal, but could leave his boyhood club this summer with interest in him growing.

The Spanish international, who represented his country at last year's European Championships, has played 40 times for Unai Emery's side this season and has helped the Yellow Submarines reach an unlikely Champions League semi-final.

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His form over the past few seasons has been noted by several top clubs across Europe and he was a rumoured target of Manchester United's before they signed former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.

As a left-footed centre-back, Torres' uniqueness has caught the eye of Man Utd, who may be in the market for an upgrade in that position given Harry Maguire's recent form.

Torres' contract at Villarreal is due to expire in 2024, so the Spanish side do hold the cards when it comes to a potential move away. However, it has been reported that a release clause is once again active this summer.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that the defender is attracting similar interest to last summer and that his release clause of €55/60m will be valid until the window shuts at the end of the summer.

The same report details that both Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in signing the 25-year-old, while Chelsea are believed to have sent scouts to watch him.

Who will Torres sign for?

There's still a large possibility that Torres stays at Villarreal for next season, especially given their Champions League run this year, but it seems likely he will leave.

Villarreal are currently outside the European places in La Liga, so unless they make a late recovery domestically or triumph in the Champions League, they won't have European football next season.

That could prove pivotal for several stars' future at the club, most notably Torres'.

Man Utd are reportedly in the hunt for a new centre-back due to the situation surrounding Maguire, and even offered Antonio Rudiger a deal which shows how keen they are to add quality to their defensive line.

With Rudiger leaving Chelsea, it leaves Thomas Tuchel's side with a hole at that back which could be filled with Torres. As a left-footer he could suit playing in the position vacated by Rudiger.

Man City are the third team said to be interested in Torres, but they're the team with the least need for his services. Pep Guardiola already has a left-footed centre-back in both Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake, while Ruben Dias and John Stones make up the compliment of central defenders at the Etihad.

However, Torres' exit will depend on whether any interested parties are willing to pay his release clause.