MANCHESTER UNITED could reportedly switch their attentions to Villarreal’s Pau Torres over Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
The Red Devils have been linked with a host of defensive targets over recent months as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to find a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
Villarreal’s Pau Torres could reportedly be a ‘more affordable’ transfer option for Man UtdCredit: Getty
The Red Devils have also been linked with Sevilla’s Jules KoundeCredit: Rex Features
They have already missed out on RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano after he agreed terms for a summer move to Bayern Munich.
That led to speculation a move for fellow French centre-back Kounde was on their radar.
And it was even claimed United were preparing a £61m bid for Sevilla’s 22-year-old.
However, now EuroSport’s Transfer Notebook claims Villarreal’s Pau Torres could yet emerge as a more ‘realistic target’ for Solskjaer.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have also been linked to him previously.
The 24-year-old Spaniard penned a five-year deal with the LaLiga outfit back in late 2019.
But it is believed he has a release clause of around £43m included as part of that package.
And the latest report states that figure is around ‘the maximum we should expect’ the Old Trafford giants to spend on a new defender.
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Due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, United chiefs are unable to back Solskjaer with an open cheque book.
Eric Bailly could be sold once the window re-opens which would help to swell the transfer coffers.
And some reports even suggested late last year that he could return to his old club Villarreal as part of a deal for Torres.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
