Real Madrid ‘eye Manchester United target Pau Torres as Sergio Ramos replacement… but Los Blancos may wait until NEXT SUMMER to move for Villarreal defender with club unable to meet £43m price tag’
- Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring Villarreal and Spain star Pau Torres
- The 24-year-old defender has enjoyed a standout campaign for club and country
- Man United have been linked with Torres and Madrid have entered the race
- However, Los Blancos may be unable to afford Torres’ £43m valuation
Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring Villarreal star Pau Torres as Los Blancos begin their search for Sergio Ramos’ replacement following the veteran’s departure this summer.
Madrid waved goodbye to their long-serving defender this week, with the 35-year-old breaking down in his farewell press conference after being unable to strike an agreement over a contract extension.
Ramos’ exit leaves Madrid with Raphael Varane, Eder Militao, Nacho and incoming defender David Alaba as senior centre halves, leaving Carlo Ancelotti slightly short of options in that area.
Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring Villarreal and Spain defender Pau Torres as a target
Los Blancos are searching for a long-term replacement for club legend Sergio Ramos
And according to Spanish outlet AS, Torres has been identified as a target following a strong campaign with Villarreal.
The 24-year-old played an integral role in Unai Emery’s side’s Europa League triumph and has forced his way into Luis Enrique’s starting XI for Spain, forming a partnership with Aymeric Laporte.
The Spanish defender’s experience at the top level, coupled with his relatively young age, makes him an attractive target for Los Blancos as they search for a long term defensive option.
Torres, 24, has impressed for the LaLiga side, helping them to the Europa League title
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s (L) side may be unable to meet his £43m price tag, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s (R) Manchester United are also interested in the defender
Madrid would face stern competition from Manchester United for Torres, although there are concerns that the Spaniards may not be able to land the 24-year-old this summer with Villarreal slapping a £43m price tag on the defender.
Los Blancos are still reeling from the financial ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic and even in the event that they sell Varane they will be unable to afford Torres, with that money intended to be used to swoop for Kylian Mbappe.
As a result, Florentino Perez & Co may have to suspend their pursuit of Torres until next summer, when finances are predicted to not be as problematic for the club.
Ancelotti will be looking to hit the ground running after returning from the club this summer, taking over from Zinedine Zidane after Madrid failed to win a trophy in 2020-21.
