"There's a possibility" - Insider makes Man United swap deal claim on Eric Bailly and £50m star

Manchester United could look to tempt Villarreal into selling long-term Old Trafford target Pau Torres by offering Eric Bailly in a player-plus-cash swap deal, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Ralf Rangnick may be set to leave the dugout at the end of the season, with the interim manager moving into a consultancy role, but it appears the Red Devils are already looking to make inroads ahead of the summer window opening for business.

According to 90min, Torres has made his way back onto Manchester United’s radar after Old Trafford sources confirmed the club are in the market for a central defender.

The report suggests the Red Devils have been keeping close tabs on the 17-cap Spain international as a result of his impressive form for Villarreal and scouts were sent to watch him in action as his current employers dumped Juventus out of the Champions League.

Torres has been a long-term target for Manchester United, with it previously being reported that last season’s Europa League final defeat to Villarreal was seen as an ‘audition’ ahead of potentially making a move.

Despite the uncertainty over his long-term future, Torres has still been a key man in the heart of the La Liga side’s defence this season and also shown he can be a threat in the opposition’s penalty area by finding the back of the net five times.

Villarreal are in no rush to sell the 25-year-old as they are in a strong negotiating position thanks to Torres’ £63,000-per-week contract still having more than two years to run.

Ralf Rangnick BRUTAL on Man United stars after Leicester draw! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

Jones believes Manchester United may look to persuade Villarreal into selling Torres by offering fellow central defender Bailly in