According to Eurosport's Dean Jones, Manchester United are keeping tabs on Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer searches for defensive reinforcements.

What's the word?

The Red Devils are on the rise as they find themselves embroiled in a race for a top-four place at the top of the table.

But defensive frailties have once again proven to be their undoing at times and Solskjaer is still searching for a long-term partner for Harry Maguire at the back, with question marks remaining over each of Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Axel Tuanzebe.

Indeed, United have conceded 32 goals in 25 Premier League games, that being the worst out of any side currently in the top four and 11th in the league overall, according to the official standings.

However, Solskjaer could yet find the solution in the form of Villarreal defender Pau Torres, who has impressed for the Yellow Submarine in the Spanish top-flight thus far.

Woodward's No.1 priority?

The 24-year-old was fast-tracked through the academy ranks in 2016, playing his first match in La Liga just one year later.

Eric Bailly continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford and his potential departure would leave Solskjaer with just Harry Maguire and Lindelof as his senior natural centre-halves.

Signing a player of Torres' calibre would surely be a significant upgrade on Lindelof, who has so far struggled for consistency this season - against Newcastle, he was rated as the worst United player on the pitch to start the game against the Magpies by SofaScore during the 3-1 win over the Toon at Old Trafford.

Standing at 6 ft 2 in tall, the Spaniard cuts an imposing figure in the box, and boasts an impressive 3.4 clearances per 90 in La Liga this season, via WhoScored.

He also blocks 1.3 shots on goal per game in the Europa League, showing a willingness to get stuck in, which is more than can be said for Lindelof, who has barely been able to manage one block per game in the same competition.

Getting the ball away from the danger zone would at the very least be a good place to start for United,.

Ed Woodward must prioritise signing a new central defender in the summer and he ought to look no further than the 7-cap Spain international.

AND in other news, Max Aarons would be a major upgrade on Man Utd outcast Diogo Dalot...