Manchester United will have to fend off the interest of ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City if they are to land Villarreal defender Pau Torres this summer.

United are planning to make a move for the Spaniard, who has been integral in his club’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Now, Cadena SER report that those at the Etihad are also keen on the 25-year-old.

Torres wishes to swap Villarreal for a more established European outfit at the end of the season. He reportedly has a release clause of around £60m in his contract, which runs out in 2024.

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His club are yet to receive a formal approach for their player but are holding out for at least £50m. Torres has helped his side keep a clean sheet against the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich this season, and played in the two Champions League losses to United during the group stages.

Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Antonio Rudiger is close to a move to Real Madrid, much to the disappointment of United. The German had indicated he would leave Stamford Bridge this summer and the Old Trafford hierarchy were reportedly mulling over an ambitious offer for the defender.

However, Madrid are close to agreeing a deal with Rudiger, according to Romano, suggesting United may have to focus their defensive recruitment drive elsewhere – like on Torres.

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