Manchester United have received a boost over one of their defensive transfer targets.

What's the word?

That is based on a report from super-journo Fabrizio Romano, who via GIVEMESPORT, has revealed that a move to the Premier League for Pau Torres is a "serious possibility."

As per the report, it is said that whilst this is the case, United are still considering all of their options right now as we move towards the mid-point of the summer window.

Speaking to GMS, Romano said:

“I see Pau Torres playing in the Premier League next season because it’s a serious possibility, but at the moment, it’s still not something advanced between clubs. So I think they are considering together with Erik ten Hag the best option and then they will jump into it.”

Ten Hag will be delighted

Romano's latest claim around Torres comes as a big positive for United boss Erik ten Hag, who is prowling the market for a left-footed central defender who can slot seamlessly into his possession-based system.

25-year-old Spain international Torres fits the bill and represents a similar option to Lisandro Martinez, who was Ten Hag's left centre-back at Ajax in the season just gone.

It seems as though the Dutchman is willing to mimic his Eredivisie title-winning approach, which in United's case may start with a natural left-footed defender to help create sustainable build-up sequences from deep.

With five goals and one assist from 33 La Liga games for Villarreal this season, Torres has demonstrated his ability as a ball-carrier and offers stability in both phases of the attacking and defending phases of the game.

His match average of 4.71 progressive carries and 1.05 carries into the final third demonstrate his desire to progress the ball, whilst his average of 6.72 passes underline his comfort in keeping possession.

Interestingly, we've seen Torres shine both with and without the ball, playing in Unai Emery's low-possession, counter-attacking Villarreal side against Liverpool in the Champions League, whilst featuring for Luis Enrique's mass-possession Spain side in the same season.

Torres is versatile in his style and would shine under Ten Hag.

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