Tottenham Hotspur 'still interested in Pau Torres'

Antonio Conte has wasted no time in making changes to his first-team squad, already bringing in four fresh faces ahead of the new season.

Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Richarlison have all been signed by the Italian, and the expectation is that more players will follow over the coming weeks.

Spurs are said to be on the brink of sealing a season-long loan deal for Clement Lenglet, who has been given permission to leave Barcelona.

Nevertheless, according to The Mirror, the Premier League outfit have not given up hope of securing the signature of Torres.

Soon after the end of 2021-22, it was widely reported that Torres' departure from Estadio de la Ceramica was only a matter of time with Villarreal having failed to qualify for the Champions League or Europa League.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old is said to have a release clause in the region of £51m, an attainable figure for many European clubs who are looking to strengthen their defence.

However, that option is yet to be activated and any interested parties have not been able to agree a suitable fee with Villarreal officials.

The Spain international has just two years left on his contract, a scenario which seemingly increases the changes of a transfer eventually being agreed with another top European club.

If, as expected, Lenglet completes a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Conte will have as many as seven players who are capable of featuring in his back three.

However, Joe Rodon will depart Spurs either on loan or a permanent deal before the end of August, and Japhet Tanganga may also be allowed to earn regular game time at another club.

As far as Torres's other admirers are concerned, Manchester United are seemingly placing more focus on trying to sign Lisandro Martinez from Ajax.

Chelsea's interest also appears to have gone cold with the Blues being more strongly linked with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Jules Kounde and Nathan Ake.

Manchester City were credited with an interest during the first week of June and could theoretically move for Torres if Ake departs for Stamford Bridge.