Manchester United are “making progress” in their attempts to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The local newspaper claims that a deal could be finalised after Spain’s participation in the European Championships comes to an end, although it is not believed that a transfer has already been agreed.

Torres has a release clause in the region of €60m (£51.4m) so, if United want to snap up the defender, all they would need to do is trigger it, with no negotiation required with Villarreal.

It appears the Red Devils are hedging their bets somewhat at this stage, though, as they are still holding out some hope that Real Madrid will compromise on Raphael Varane’s €80m (£68.6m) asking price.

Were those talks to fail, it seems United are poised to make a move for Torres as their main alternative. Chelsea and Manchester City are also said to be keen on the 24-year-old so we shall see how the situation unfolds in the coming days and weeks.