Manchester United may only have to pay €50m (£43m) for Villarreal defender Pau Torres this summer, rather than having to trigger his €65m (£56m) release clause, according to ESPN.

It is believed the Yellow Submarines are willing to cut £13m off their asking price in order to offload the centre-back, with the player hopeful that the lower amount will entice interested clubs into making an offer.

The likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have all been mentioned as possible alternative destinations for Torres but the Red Devils are thought to be favourites for the player’s signature.

It was reported in the local media last month that the 24-year-old would be open to making the switch to Old Trafford, and this latest development will make a bid even more likely.

There will be limited money to spend for United in the summer, though, and the club may have to prioritise certain positions. The club are also after a striker, a midfielder and a right-winger so it’s unclear where a centre-back fits into their agenda.