Manchester United are considering a move for Villarreal center-back Pau Torres as the ideal long-term partner for Harry Maguire, according to reports.

Old Trafford bosses have identified the center-back as a priority position to be reinforced this summer, with Real Madrid duo Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos, as well as Sevilla star Jules Kounde, being linked.

however, Manchester Evening News claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and United are now seeking a possible deal for Spain international Torres, who is seen as an ideal partner for club captain Maguire as he is left-handed and likely cheaper than signing Varane.

Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly considers Torres an ideal partner for Harry Maguire

Torres has established himself as a regular starter for the Spanish side over the past two seasons, and the link with United follows reports from Eurosport late last month that he had a 43million release clause. of pounds sterling in his contract.

The 24-year-old – who has made 31 appearances and scored two goals in all of Unai Emery’s men’s competitions this season – has also been selected seven times by his country, most recently under Luis Enrique in the international break. November.

The Manchester-based outlet report also adds that rivals Manchester City admire Torres, who is seen as the main contender for partner Ramos for Spain at the Euros delayed this summer.

But with Pep Guardiola signing Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake last summer, the position is not seen as a pressing issue at the Etihad stadium and so it is United who they believe would be most likely to make a move to the Stadium. end of the current campaign.

He would also be a viable alternative to signing ‘dream’ Raphael Varane from Real Madrid

Man City also admire Torres but he is not considered a priority after signing Ruben Dias

Other Premier League teams would also admire Torres, and the same outlet also claims that European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also interested.

Sports messaging revealed earlier this month that Varane would be sold by Madrid for over £ 60million if he didn’t sign a new deal, but the Old Trafford club are aware of paying what they see as prices swollen in the current climate.

This reluctance is also believed to be behind their reluctance to meet French center-back Kounde’s £ 68million release clause in Sevilla, although the club retain an interest in one of the best defensive prospects in the world. Europe.

Seville’s Jules Kounde has also been linked but United do not want to respect his release clause

Solskjaer has seen his side keep five clean sheets in their last six games, but he is still eager to sign more defenders this summer given his apparent lack of satisfaction with current options.

Victor Lindelof has continued in his ability to convince alongside Maguire as Eric Bailly’s injury toll becomes increasingly worrying at Old Trafford.

Axel Tuanzebe has lacked consistency and form since being on loan at Aston Villa two seasons ago, while Phil Jones looks set to go on the loose at the end of the season without having played for the club for a year.