Man United told to beat Tottenham to £42.5m Pau Torres deal after talks – pundit
Noel Whelan has urged Man United to sign Pau Torres in order to “light a fire under” struggling stars Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is the only safe member of the Red Devils squad as Erik ten Hag looks to draft in “top players” all over the pitch.
According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER (24 May), Torres, Villarreal and Man United are in negotiations over a deal which could be worth €50million (£42.5million).
Football Insider revealed on 27 May that Tottenham are also targeting the Spain international as part of a three-man centre-back shortlist.
Cadena SER claim Torres would prefer a move to Old Trafford despite the lack of Champions League football.
Maguire and Varane were at fault for a number of high-profile errors as Man United limped to a sixth-place finish last term.
Whelan insisted the big-money pair “need a push” with Torres potentially set to bolster the ranks.
“That will light a fire under Maguire and Varane, for sure,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They need that push. They certainly didn’t light the world on fire last season – in fact, there were more negatives than positives.
“Everyone is under threat in that Man United side – bar Ronaldo.
“There will be top players coming in, like Pau Torres. These players will have to respond.
“They’ll have to look at themselves in the mirror over this off-season.
“Ten Hag is obviously looking to bring a lot of changes and that includes personnel all over the pitch.”
In other news, pundit claims Man United could sign next Willian after journalist’s bid update.