Manchester United are ready to trigger Pau Torres’ £50m release clause this summer.
That is according to reports in Spain and journalist Javi Mata who suggests the Reds are prepared to welcome Torres to Old Trafford, reporting that the 24-year-old would be keen on such a move – the MEN revealed United’s interest in Torres earlier this season.
According to the fresh reports from by MEN, Torres would be interested in moving to United, although we also understand the highly-rated Spanish defender is on Manchester City’s radar, but it now seems Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to win the race.
United are set to play Villarreal in the final of the Europa League next week and it’s expected Torres will start for Unai Emery’s side, and if the latest reports are true, it could be a final audition for the centre-back before completing a switch to England.
“I hope he does (stay). I really hope he does. He has changed the squad completely. From the first session he is always brave on the ball, he is always on the half turn, he is always facing forward. That’s the player we needed,” Rice said to Redknapp’s Big Night Out.
Bruno Fernandes closer to contract extension.
A little more than one year after moving to Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes is reportedly close to signing a new contract with Manchester United worth £200,000 a week.
The Portugal international joined United from Sporting CP in January 2020 and has had a huge impact in improving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s fortunes in Manchester.
Fernandes, 26, leads United’s scoring charts with 28 goals this season, having made 65 direct goal contributions (40 goals and 25 assists) in just 79 appearances for the club.
The Mirror reported that return has convinced the board to reward their talisman with a lucrative contract extension, with the club hoping to cement the deal before Euro 2020.
The midfielder’s agent, Miguel Pinto, flew into Manchester for talks with the Red Devils hierarchy on Tuesday.
Solskjaer has succeeded in securing back-to-back top-four finishes at United for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired from the helm in 2013.
Fernandes, who has been a prominent figure in realising that resurgence, said: “My priority today is to win trophies.
“Collective titles are more important than individual titles and we are working on that here.
“I think the club has improved a lot since I arrived here.
“It is in a growth phase and the players are getting more and more the mentality that you should have in a club like Manchester United, which wants to win titles and more titles.
“That’s what we’re here for. I feel like I’m part of that and I’m here to help the club evolve.”
Fernandes has proved his £47million transfer fee to be a bargain, and it speaks volumes of his value at Old Trafford that the club is taking the initiative in fending off outside interest.
His current deal isn’t due to run out until 2025, with the option of an additional year.