Barcelona could hand Man Utd contingency plan if they secure Pau Torres transfer

Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres is one of the most highly sought defenders on the continent, with both Barcelona and Manchester United chasing his signature, but his potential move could have a number of knock-on effects.

The La Liga giants are reportedly leading the race, and as a result are looking to off-load Samuel Umtiti who has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou.

Despite their shaky financial situation, Barcelona are confident they will be the first side to activate Torres €60m release clause – rendering Umtiti's role in the side almost redundant.

In turn, United may be willing to let Barca win the race for Torres and as a result bring Umtiti to Old Trafford, the former Lyon man was the subject of rumoured interest from the Red Devils years ago.

United have been desperate to find a central defender capable of partnering Harry Maguire long-term, after the recent performances of Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have left a lot to be desired, especially when paired together in Maguire's absence as United's skipper continues his recovery from an ankle ligament injury.

Pau Torres starred as Unai Emery's Villarreal dumped Arsenal out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage, progressing to meet United, a club who continue to track his progress closely.

At just 24, his next transfer is by no means his last big move – but it appears that he could turn down a switch to the Premier League in favour of remaining in La Liga.

He has also been predicted to feature in Spain's European Championship squad, with manager Luis Enrique, formerly of Barcelona, claiming: "I like everything about Pau Torres. He is tall, handsome, a good kid and has a good reading of the game."

Barcelona have already lined up one central defender in Manchester City's Eric Garcia, but Ronald Koeman's side are keen on signing one more comfortable on the left-hand side, something Torres has specialised in during his time at the 'Yellow Submarine'.

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