Manchester United are looking into a possible move for Pau Torres ahead of the summer transfer window.
Villarreal central defender Torres, 24, has enjoyed another successful season in La Liga with interest growing in his signature ahead of an uncertain transfer window.
MEN Sport understand both United and Manchester City hold an interest in the Spain international - although it is United who would be the most likely of the two to actually make a move at the end of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prioritising a move for a new centre-back this summer and Torres' natural ability as a left-footer make him an ideal candidate to be the long-term partner for club captain Harry Maguire.
United are keen to add experience to their back line at the end of the current campaign and Torres, who has been capped 7 times by Spain, could prove to be a viable alternative to long-term dream addition Rapahel Varane.
City's interest in Torres is believed to be more admiration, with Pep Guardiola in no desperate need for a new centre-back this time around. Last year the Blues spent almost £102million on new defensive additions but Torres was not previously one of those being considered.
It is understood other Premier League clubs are showing an interest in the Villarreal defender while he is also admired by figures at both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
Any move for Torres is likely to take place late in the summer transfer window with the 24-year-old fully focused on the La Liga season with Villarreal before turning his attentions to the European Championship with Spain.
The impact of the ongoing pandemic could have an impact on United's summer plans after they spent £76.6million on four players last summer, but the club have not drastically changed their preparations for the next window.
Despite keeping five clean sheets in their last six matches United are still eager to add a new centre-back to their first-team squad. Victor Lindelof has rarely convinced as a partner for Maguire while there are still concerns over Eric Bailly's injury record.
Axel Tuanzebe has looked unconvincing since his return to Old Trafford from loan in 2019, while Phil Jones has not played in over a year and is free to leave at the end of the season.
Teden Mengi and Di'Shon Bernard have both impressed during loan spells in the Football League this season but neither appear ready to be flung into the intense first-team spotlight yet.
