Villarreal manager Unai Emergy has already issued a glowing report on Pau Torres amid Manchester United's interest.
MEN Sport understands that the 24-year-old centre-back is being tracked by both United and Manchester City ahead a potential summer transfer, though it's the former that holds the firmer interest.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prioritising the recruitment of a defender and Torres is amongst United's list, with the left-footed Spaniard seen as an ideal long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
Former Arsenal boss Emery, who has been in charge of Villarreal since July 2020, has admitted previously that Torres is a player that is capable of gracing the best teams in Europe.
"Pau Torres is an amazing player - I think he’s top," Emery told football.london.
"I've been a coach in Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal and I’ve never seen a centre back like Pau Torres.
"I think he’s going to play at the highest level, he’s playing now in the national team but he can play in the top teams in Europe very soon."
It is believed Torres has a release clause in his current deal which lies in the region of €60million after he penned a contract extension until 2024 two years ago.
However, it is understood Villarreal could consider a player-plus-cash offer for Torres if any suitors are unable to match such a figure in the current financial climate.
Any possible deal for the 24-year-old would likely to take place late in the summer window with the defender fully focused on his international ambitions.
Torres has featured 32 times for Villarreal this season keeping nine clean sheets and scoring three goals.
