What is Man Utd, Chelsea & Madrid-target Pau Torres’ release clause?
Karan Tejwani
- 24 May 2022 13:58 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United will begin direct talks with Pau Torres’ agents this week over a contract, although a fee has still not been agreed with Villarreal.
According to the Telegraph, Torres’ entourage are travelling to Manchester to hold talks with Man Utd.
The centre back is available for transfer, and has a release clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the club for €55 million to €60m.
It is believed that Villarreal are requesting a figure closer to €50m.
The Spanish defender helped Villarreal to an incredible Champions League run where they beat Juventus and Bayern Munich to reach the semi-final, where they fell short against Liverpool.
Real Madrid and Chelsea are also said to be interested in the defender, but Man Utd are the favourites.
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The Red Devils maintained an interest in the player last year, but didn’t make a move and any official bid would require approval from incoming boss Erik ten Hag.
Torres fits the profile of Ten Hag, though, as he likes his centre back’s to be comfortable on the ball with excellent distribution.
Man Utd are also keeping tabs on other defenders, such as Ajax’s Jurrien Timber and Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt as they look to bolster their leaky defence.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are under new ownership, and it’s uncertain how they will react in the transfer market – they do need to sign a defender, as Antonio Rudiger is set to leave.
If they are to improve in the league and challenge in the Champions League, bringing in a top defender is essential and Torres would be a smart option for the club.
The 25-year-old Torres joined Villarreal as a child in 2002 and has been with his boyhood club for his whole career, having made his senior debut in 2017.
Since then, he has featured in 134 matches, and even spent a season on loan in the second division with Malaga in 2018-19.
Torres made his debut for the Spain national team in 2019 and has been a mainstay in the team under Luis Enrique, being a part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
