United's hope of landing the centre-back has risen significantly, says Manchester Evening News.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to beef up things at the back and a new centre-back is among reinforcements he's looking to bring to Old Trafford this summer.
Solskjaer is looking for the ideal candidate that'll be a long-term partner for the club skipper Harry Maguire.
Pau Torres, 24, has emerged as a top target for United in the centre-back role and reports floating around in Manchester say the bigwigs at United are pushing hard to him bring to Old Trafford after the Spaniard impressed for Villarreal the last season, especially in the UEFA Europa League final.
According to Manchester Evening News, United bigwigs have a "growing belief" they can strike a deal for the £51 million-rated defender this summer and bring him to Old Trafford.
United saw a previous £50 million bid for Real Madrid's Raphael Varane turned down. The Frenchman, who has been deemed a perfect partner for Maguire, is said to be valued around £80 million by Real. But that price has appeared to have cooled off interest in the star at United.
Varane, 28, just entered the last run of his contract with Real and United feel his £80 million valuation is too high given the French centre-back will be out of contract next year. Though reports say talks are still ongoing with Real, United are already exploring their options in Torres.
Moreover, Torres is a much younger option and Villarreal is considering player plus cash if the Red Devils can't meet the £51 million price tag on his head.
Torres was part of the team that won the UEFA Europa League title for Villarreal under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
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