Manchester United should not sign £55m Pau Torres with more glaring transfer issues to solve

With Erik ten Hag joining Manchester United in the summer it is expected that the club will embark on a completely new project under the Dutchman. And a new project needs players to be signed that fit the new manager's style of play.

It is still not clear what positions will be targeted to improve the team under Ten Hag, but one role that could be filled in the upcoming window is at centre-back. With both Phil Jones and Eric Bailly expected to leave Old Trafford, there will be space for another defender in the squad.

The Manchester Evening News understands that United may have reignited their interest in Pau Torres. The Spanish defender was on the club's radar before they signed Raphael Varane last summer but after another impressive campaign with Villarreal this season, United could move for him again.

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The 25-year-old is left-footed, which is something United have been looking for in a centre-back for some time and is able to distribute consistently and effectively from the back. He is also a good defender who reads the game well and would be able to slot in next to a more aggressive defender like Harry Maguire.

But there are issues with any potential signing. Torres has a release clause of £55m and it is likely that Villarreal would only sell for that given the defenders stock is at an all-time high after the club's Champions League run, and this would be a significant chunk of United's budget.

There is also the issue of whether centre-back should be a high priority on United's list, especially when the defensive midfield problem has yet to be solved. Bailly and Jones departing may only leave the club with three