MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly hoping they can broker a swap deal with Villarreal involving Eric Bailly and Pau Torres.
The La Liga side’s centre-back is wanted by a host of clubs across Europe, including Tottenham.
Eric Bailly could be Manchester United’s ‘trump card’ in the chase for Pau TorresCredit: Getty
Villarreal defender Pau Torres is wanted by a host of clubsCredit: Rex Features
The 23-year-old Spanish international is under contract until 2024.
That deal includes a release clause of £60million – a figure United are not too keen to meet.
However, TEAMtalk claims they hope out-of-favour Bailly could prove to be their ‘trump card’ in securing Torres.
And tt states the Red Devils believe there is a chance that Villarreal could be tempted to take back their former star next year.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to bring in a new defensive partner to play alongside Harry Maguire.
Bailly arrived at Old Trafford in 2016 in a £30m move from Villarreal and made a bright start under Jose Mourinho.
But he has struggled over recent years and seems surplus to Solskjaer’s requirements.
And the Ivory Coast ace and Phil Jones are both believed to be available for transfer.
Both Arsenal and Spurs have been linked with Bailly.
However, having identified Torres as a key target, it is now claimed the Norwegian hopes to use Bailly as bait in trying to sign him.
And if Villarreal will take him back, they hope an exchange deal can be agreed, either seeing Bailly leave permanently or even temporarily on loan.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
