Man Utd: Ten Hag now 'close' to signing £51m star at Old Trafford

Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Villarreal defender Pau Torres and the Old Trafford move is ‘gathering pace’, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Red Devils have entered a new era, with Erik ten Hag now at the helm after Ralf Rangnick’s interim reign, and it appears Torres could be set to link-up with the Red Devils.

It is understood that Torres’ representatives have arrived in the UK in order to speed up the process of completing their client’s switch to Manchester United.

According to Spanish media outlet Cadena Ser, the centre-half would prefer to join the Red Devils than Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have also shown an interest.

The report suggests Manchester City and Chelsea are mulling over a move for Torres, who has won 17 caps for Spain, as well.

But Manchester United are looking to win the race for Torres’ signature and club chiefs have internally discussed him as a transfer target with ten Hag.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed the 25-year-old has a release clause worth in the region of £51million written into his Villarreal contract.

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Jones understands Torres is close to being unveiled as the first signing of ten Hag’s Manchester United reign.

The transfer insider believes Villarreal are resigned to the fact it will be difficult for them to hold onto their star defender.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think, from what I understand, a lot of people close to Pau Torres do see this deal as one that is still gathering pace.

“People close to the player say it is close and Villarreal think there’s a good chance it will happen.”

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