Solskjaer Identifies Defender To Sign In January With Swap Deal Offered

Manchester United were linked with a number of defenders last summer, including RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano.

However, transfer expert Duncan Castles says boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a left-footed centre-back to partner Harry Maguire and Villarreal defender Pau Torres fits the bill.

Barcelona are also said to be interested in the 23-year-old but the Red Devls are more likely to be able to afford a deal next month.

“[Solskjaer], as he wanted in the summer, is looking and asking for a left-footed centre-back to try and improve their defending, try and compensate for Harry Maguire’s obvious issues,” Castles said on the Transfer Window podcast.

“I can tell you that there have been discussions with Villarreal over a deal for Pau Torres, their Spain international, who is now 23 years of age, recently signed a contract last year until 2024.

“He is liked by Barcelona but probably out of Barcelona’s price range at present unless they achieve a big sale, because his contract includes a €50million release clause with a further €25m I understand of bonuses included in that clause, should a club buy out his contract.

“He is left-footed, which is what Manchester United have been looking for in this position.

SEE ALSO | Watch Every FIFA Puskas Award 2020 Nominated Goals

Castles added: “The interesting part of this is that Manchester United’s discussions with Villarreal, I’m told, have involved offering Marcos Rojo to Villarreal as part of the deal.

This post was first published on GoalBall.