Ten Hag plans to make a dramatic revamp of United’s underperforming roster in an attempt to recruit long-term target Torres.
Jurrien Timber, one of Ten Hag’s Eredivisie champions at Ajax, was also “championed” by the Dutchman during early recruiting negotiations.”
Last summer, Torres turned down a transfer to the Premier League in order to focus on Champions League football with the Yellow Submarine, and the 25-year-old is thought to have a £50 million release clause in his contract.
Villarreal reached the Champions League semi-finals last season but failed to qualify for the competition the following season, supposedly leaving them open to lesser Torres bids in order to earn finances.
United are expected to spend roughly £43 million for the Spain international, whose ball skills are regarded to fit well with the type of play Ten Hag wants to build at Old Trafford.
Torres is under contract until 2024, although he might be brought in as part of United’s projected departure following their sixth-place finish on the penultimate day of a disappointing season.
According to the site, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, and Phil Jones will be among the defenders going at the conclusion of the season.
When United bought Raphael Varane from Real Madrid in August 2021 under previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Torres was supposed to be the back-up option.
Timber made his Ajax debut in 2020 and was practically ever-present as the Amsterdammers won their most recent title under Ten Hag, netting his first goal for the club in a 4-0 win against Emmen on May 2 to secure top position in the premier tier.
The 20-year-old earned his Dutch debut in June 2021 and was named to the Euro 2020 squad later that summer.