Ex-Man Utd target Torres opens up on transfer snub and leaves door ajar for move

Spain stalwart Pau Torres has explained why he chose not to leave Villarreal this summer despite heavy interest from the Premier League.

Torres, 24, is considered one of La Liga's finest defenders and he helped Villarreal win the Europa League with a penalty shootout triumph over Manchester United in May.

The 6'4" centre-back was subsequently linked with a number of English clubs including the Red Devils themselves and Tottenham Hotspur.

After United chose to raid Real Madrid to sign Raphael Varane, this left Spurs in pole position to pursue Torres and El Confidencial reports they were willing to pay €60million (£52m) for his services.

Pau Torres helped Villarreal to victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final

But the Spanish outlet also claims Torres turned down the chance to join Nuno Espirito Santo's side, and the player himself has now admitted he preferred the opportunity to play Champions League football than a move to north London.

"In the end, I was more interested in playing in the Champions League with my local team," said Torres when asked why he refused a move to the Premier League.

"In a year when the national team has important challenges and, when you make changes, you don't know how it will go.

"It was clear to me that it was a year to enjoy the Champions League with Villarreal, close to my family.

"It's the fourth time Villarreal have played in the Champions League, and that's what I was most looking forward to."

Villarreal travel to Old Trafford to face United for the second time in four months on Wednesday night, this time in Europe's elite competition.

The Spanish club drew 2-2 with Atalanta in their opening Group F game and held Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw in their most-recent La Liga fixture.

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Torres leaves door open

Torres - who joined Villarreal as a child in 2002 - has played 90 minutes in each of Villarreal's last four fixtures, but the club have been in tepid form.

Conceding goals haas not been a problem - they have let in three in six La Liga games - but a disappointing return of six goals scored has condemned them to five draws and a mid-table berth.

For this reason, Villarreal may struggle to qualify for the Champions League next season, which could prompt Torres to push for a transfer.

He left the door open for a move away from his boyhood club, adding: "From minute one, they (Villarreal) told me they would respect whatever I decided.

"I am very happy at home. I have a contract until 2024 and whatever is best for everyone, we'll see."

Tottenham, meanwhile, are in Europa Conference League action against Slovenian side Mura on Thursday night, having signed centre-back Cristian Romero from Atalanta for £42.5million in August.