MANCHESTER UNITED'S hopes of luring Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres are reportedly rising.

Torres and Real Madrid's Raphael Varane are high up United's shortlist for a new centre-back to partner skipper Harry Maguire.

And the Manchester Evening News say Old Trafford chiefs have a'growing belief' £51million-rated Spain star Torres can be signed this summer.

France defender Varane, 28, is still rated as United's dream option.

But Torres, 24, impressed when Villarreal stunned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men in the Europa League final last month.

United are also confident of finally recruiting their main target, Borussia Dortmund's England attacker Jadon Sancho.

Personal terms are said to have been agreed with the 21-year-old.

But there is still doubt over Dortmund accepting a fee of around £80m, including add-ons.

In contrast, Torres has a release clause of around 60million euros (£51m).

That's because he extended his contract to 2024 two years ago.

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The MEN claim Villarreal might be interested in a player-plus cash deal.

There is even talk United could show interest in Real Madrid's outgoing legend Sergio Ramos.

Sevilla's one-cap Frenchman Jules Kounde, 22, and Arsenal target Ben White are regarded as other possible alternatives.

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