Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'closing in on Darwin Nunez, Pau Torres signings'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 04 June 2022

Man United 'closing in on Nunez, Torres signings'

Manchester United are reportedly edging closer to a double transfer swoop for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez and Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres.

Manchester United are allegedly closing in on the double signing of Benfica striker Darwin Nunez and Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres.

Erik ten Hag has already waved goodbye to an influx of free agents at Old Trafford, and more could follow out of the exit door before the start of the 2022-23 season.

No fewer than six senior players have departed on free transfers, with Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, Lee Grant, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata's stints at the club ending.

Numerous fringe players are also being tipped to leave in the summer transfer window, leading Ten Hag to seek improvements in all areas of the field before his maiden campaign.

The club are seemingly close to landing two of their top targets, though, as according to GiveMeSport - via The Mirror - Nunez and Torres are both edging towards signing for the Red Devils.

Pau Torres celebrates scoring for Villarreal in March 2022 © Reuters

Uruguay international Nunez is one of the hottest properties on the market after his stellar domestic season with Benfica, during which he amassed 26 goals from 28 Primeira Liga outings.

The 22-year-old also struck six times in 10 Champions League matches last term - scoring against Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, as well as Ten Hag's Ajax outfit.

Liverpool were initially believed to hold the edge over Man United in the race for Nunez due to their qualification for the Champions League, but the striker's representatives are willing to listen to offers from across Europe.

Nunez's existing deal at Benfica does not expire until the summer of 2025, but Man United are supposedly exploring the possibility of using Anthony Martial as a makeweight in a deal for the South American.

Meanwhile, Villarreal centre-back Torres enjoyed another impressive campaign in the heart of Unai Emery's defence, but the Yellow Submarine are thought to be preparing for his inevitable exit.

Benfica's Darwin Nunez in action on March 11, 2022 © Reuters

The 25-year-old scored six goals in 47 matches for Villarreal across all competitions in 2021-22, helping the Spanish side reach the semi-finals of the Champions League after lifting the Europa League trophy last year.

Torres's Villarreal contract is due to expire in 2024, but the Spain international has revealed that an extension offer is on the table, and he is remaining "very calm" about his future.

"Right now there is nothing at all, there is talk of many things like every year, I have peace of mind of being where they want me, at the club of my life and I have this offer right now that I value as very positive", AS quotes Torres as saying. "There is nothing right now, the only thing I have is the offer from Villarreal, so I am very calm."

Tottenham Hotspur were also believed to be keeping a close eye on Torres's situation, but the Lilywhites have since turned their attention to Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni.

As well as Torres, Man United are still being tipped to complete a swoop for Ajax's Jurrien Timber, with Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe all expected to leave on permanent deals.