Real Madrid close in on £51m Pau Torres transfer to replace Man Utd-bound Raphael Varane

REAL MADRID are reportedly close to signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres as Raphael Varane's replacement.

France international Varane is on the verge of completing a £41million move to Manchester United, which is currently subject to a medical.

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Madrid have anticipated Varane's exit for some time, so much so they identified Spain international Torres as a replacement for the centre-back.

And according to reports, manager Carlo Ancelotti has moved a huge step closer to landing his man.

claims Los Blancos are on the verge of finalising a £51m deal for the 24-year-old.

Manchester United were also interested in acquiring Torres' services but turned their attention to signing Varane once it became apparent Real would be willing to sell the Frenchman.

Torres played a key role in Villarreal's Europa League triumph last season.

I have a contract at Villarreal.

Pau Torres on his playing future

And the former Malaga loanee's fine form earned him a spot in Spain's Euro 2020 squad.

Torres was quick to shut down the intense speculation surrounding his future before the Europa League final, saying: "One day before the most important game of my life, I won't think about anything else than what's going to happen.

"All my work and my team-mates' work has been good, and this shows it.

"I've got my contract with Villarreal, which is my town, so I'm very quiet about it, very calm."

Torres doubled down on his commitment to The Yellow Submarine before the Euros, saying: "I have a contract at Villarreal.

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"I just won the first title for the club, we have qualified for the Champions League and it is something that excites me a lot.

“Now I’m focused on the Euros. Then the Super Cup and nice things will come, so I’m totally calm.”

Torres and his Villarreal team-mates will begin their LaLiga campaign on August 16, welcoming Granada to the Estadio de la Ceramica.

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