Manchester United can use four-man centre-back shortlist to bolster Erik ten Hag defence

Manchester United will have to invest in their squad this summer. Across the pitch, players are scheduled to leave the Red Devils in the coming months and many of them will have to be replaced.

One department which looks set to be strengthened is the centre of defence. United have had talks with Antonio Rudiger's representatives in recent weeks, with the club intent on adding more quality ahead of Erik ten Hag's impending arrival in Manchester.

It remains to be seen who will end up at Old Trafford, but which players seem to fit the bill? In this piece, MEN Sport's tactical writer Josh Williams recommends four talents from across Europe:

READ MORE: Manchester United confirm pre-season tour fixtures vs Liverpool and opponents

A player who seems more than ready to make the step up to a higher level is Pau Torres of Villarreal. The Spanish international is facing Liverpool over two legs in the Champions League semi final at the moment, and he's one of the main reasons why his team are there.

Torres is left-footed which is a highly valuable quality and he's still just 25 years-old. He's evolved a fair amount during his career but at his current age, he could continue in the same vein before reaching his ceiling in Manchester.

Pep Guardiola is a fan of his, and understandably so once inspecting his perks in possession. Torres is typically Spanish in that he's cool and composed when on the ball, capable of playing through the lines while also hitting lofted pass over longer distances.

He's 6-foot-3 and has scored four La Liga goals for Villarreal this season, who are yet to concede from a single corner thanks to his contributions. Torres isn't the quickest, but he seems good enough to play for any of the giants in Europe and