Villarreal defender Pau Torres reveals he is ‘totally calm’ over his future despite interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid this summer… and in-demand star insists he’s solely ‘focused on the Euros’ with Spain
- Pau Torres is believed to be a target for Manchester United and Real Madrid
- Villarreal defender Torres has caught the eye for his club and Spain this year
- Despite the interest in him, the 24-year-old says he is relaxed over his future
- Torres insists his focus now is fully with his country at Euro 2020 this summer
In-demand Villarreal defender Pau Torres has insisted he is ‘totally calm’ over his future, despite the interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid this summer.
Torres, 24, caught the eye in LaLiga last season and has continued to impress with Spain at Euro 2020, with a host of top clubs believed to be keen to swoop for him.
Both United and Madrid are actively on the hunt for a new centre back, but Torres has refused to be drawn into the speculation and says he remains firmly focused on winning silverware with his country.
Villarreal defender Pau Torres is ‘totally calm’ over his future despite the fierce interest in him
‘I have a contract at Villarreal, I just won the first title for the club, we have qualified for the Champions League and it is something that excites me a lot,’ he told Goal.
‘Now I’m focused on the Euros. Then the Super Cup and nice things will come, so I’m totally calm.’
The impressive Torres was also quizzed on whether the ‘nice things’ he referenced could be enjoyed at his current team, and he duly added: ‘Yes.’
Torres has impressed with Spain with Manchester United and Real Madrid both keen on him
United are said to be making progress in their attempts to sign Torres, after Sportsmail reported that the centre back was mentioned as a name on their shortlist.
As claimed by the Manchester Evening News, the Old Trafford outfit are increasingly confident they will be able to get the deal across the line, although an agreement is unlikely to be reached until the end of the Euros.
Madrid and France stalwart Raphael Varane is also admired by United, but Torres is believed to be the more attainable of the two.
However, Madrid have already lost long-term servant Sergio Ramos – who has walked away as a free agent after failing to pen an extension – and Torres is said to be a target for them as they search for a replacement.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) and Carlo Ancelotti (right) are battling it out for Torres’ signature
When asked whether any player could rebuff advances from Madrid, Torres said: ‘I live in my home town, very quiet, doing beautiful things and fighting for great things with my hometown team.
‘I’m totally calm, right now I am only focused on the European Championship, on Wednesday (when Spain will take on Slovakia).’
Torres has spent his whole career with Villarreal, apart from a loan stint at Malaga in 2018-19, and his standout displays have helped him to become highly coveted.
Torres helped hometown side Villarreal to win the Europa League final at the expense of United
The in-demand Torres has now become a regular starter for Spain, alongside Aymeric Laporte
He enjoyed a fine campaign at club level last year, having held a crucial role in his hometown side’s Europa League final triumph over United in May.
And, ahead of Spain’s quest to win the European Championship again, Torres also forced his way into their team.
They have taken just two points so far, and will be desperate to wrap up qualification for the last-16 against Slovakia tonight.
Despite their stuttering start and meagre tally of one goal, Torres has placed his full faith in the former Barcelona boss.
‘The coach is our leader from day one, the team play the style he wants,’ he added.
‘I think he is proud that we do what he asks of us on the field. We will continue to do so. We all believe and know that this way is the right way for the results to arrive.’
