MANCHESTER UNITED have left Real Madrid fuming over their pursuit of Villarreal defender Pau Torres, according to reports.
The Red Devils are targeting a new centre-back this summer to play alongside skipper Harry Maguire.
Emerging at the top of their wishlist is £52million-rated Torres, who has impressed for boyhood club Villarreal.
And the delighted 24-year-old is ‘determined’ to move to the Premier League.
But the developments have angered Madrid chiefs, who apparently ‘can’t believe’ United have ‘stolen’ their target away.
According to El Desmarque, club president Florentino Perez is ‘very angry’ at the situation.
They claim that the 74-year-old has ‘earmarked’ Torres as a potential replacement for Sergio Ramos this summer.
Despite the pursuit of Madrid, Torres is ‘interested’ in a move to Old Trafford instead.
Torres could well partner Real Madrid legend Ramos for Spain at Euro 2020 in the summer.
His brilliant performances for Villarreal have catapulted him into the national set-up, as Luis Enrique replaces the now-retired Gerard Pique at the back for La Roja.
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Torres has so far won seven caps for his country, although missed their recent 1-1 draw with Greece because of a muscle injury.
He has also been absent Villarreal’s last two matches.
And they will hope he is back soon, as they push for European football next season.
Torres, who played for Malaga on loan in the 2018-19 season, has so far made 75 appearances for Villarreal, scoring five times from the back.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
