Transfer Talk: Red Devils and Gunners close in on first signings
Spain international Pau Torres has emerged as a top target for Manchester United.
Villarreal star Torres, 24, was instrumental in the Yellow Submarine’s historic 2020-21 campaign which resulted in an unlikely Europa League triumph — even helping his side edge out the Red Devils on penalties in May’s final.
The left-footed centre back has also appeared in both of his nation’s opening Euro 2020 fixtures alongside Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte, with his stock continuing to rise rapidly.
Now United appear ready to make their move, with the Manchester Evening News suggesting that there is a growing belief at Old Trafford that a deal can be struck.
Torres’ current contract still has two years to run on it but a release clause of £51million gives the English side room for manoeuvre with any approach.
Sergio Ramos has also been linked with a move to the Red Devils in recent days after departing Real Madrid — but Torres’ age and profile is thought to make him a more attractive long-term asset.
He made 44 appearances across all competitions last term for his current club, scoring on three occasions.
Gunners Lok to seal the deal
Anderlecht starlet Albert Sambi Lokonga has agreed personal terms with Arsenal ahead of a move to North London, report the Daily Mirror.
The Gunners have been tracking the Belgian, 21 for some time and are thought to have had a bid rejected by his current employers last week.
But it seems that they were only testing the waters on that occasion with media in his homeland reporting that positive discussions between player and club have since been held.
All that seemingly remains is for the two clubs to agree a fee, with Anderlecht hoping to fetch as much as £20m for their prized asset — £7m more than the Gunners originally tabled.
Yet an improved bid is imminent, with Arsenal hoping that £14m with a further £3m in add-ons will see them land their man.
Lokonga made 37 appearances in 2020-21 and has also caught the eye of Sevilla, though London is said to be his preferred destination.
Wolves eye Ward
Wolves are plotting a move for Leicester back-up goalkeeper Danny Ward after the stopper’s string of impressive Euro 2020 performances for Wales.
Ward, 27, has not made a single Premier League appearance during his three-year stint at the King Power Stadium and, according to Football Insider, Wolves will offer him the chance of a short hop across the Midlands.
The men from Molineux could be in the market for two keepers this summer with their Portuguese No1 Rui Patricio bound for Jose Mourinho’s Roma and No2 John Ruddy stalling on a new contract.
After winning his tussle with Crystal Palace's Wayne Hennessey for the Welsh No1 jersey this summer, Ward has been a key part of a defensive unit that only conceded two goals in three Group A outings.
A particularly eye-catching display against Switzerland thrusted the former Liverpool man into the public spotlight and it now appears he may get his rewards once the tournament has concluded