Spanish newspaper La Razon claims Chelsea are set to activate the £50million release clause in Villarreal defender Pau Torres’ contract – amid interest from Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Torres, 25, is known for rejecting Tottenham last summer and choosing to remain at Villarreal – with the Yellow Submarine having qualified for the Champions League. An inspired move, after reaching the semi-finals.
He impressed against Liverpool on Wednesday in the first leg and despite the 2-0 loss, Villarreal’s centre-backs hardly put a foot wrong all night. Instead, the sheer class and intensity got Liverpool over the line at Anfield.
Spanish outlet La Razon reports that the Spain international has a clause in his contract worth £50million. Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are all keen – but Chelsea look set to make the first move.
Obviously, for Chelsea to make such an offer, new owners will need to be in place before they can make any movements in the transfer market – but they are expected to have a new board in place before the summer arrives.
Tottenham, City, United or Chelsea – which is best for Torres?
Manchester City would be incredibly tricky to break in. John Stones, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte are impressing – and even Nathan Ake has of late. City hardly need another centre-back, though the Etihad will be tempting.
Manchester United are a mess at the moment and while it has tempted Erik Ten Hag, there will be reservations with Champions League football a mile off. Tottenham could be a decent move, if they get into fourth place.
But it will be hard to improve on the rejuvenated Eric Dier, and Cristian Romero. His best move is indeed Chelsea, with Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta all set to leave on a free transfer.
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