Manchester United may opt against sealing a big-money move for Pau Torres if Erik ten Hag 'puts a block' on the Old Trafford swoop, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Red Devils have entered a new era thanks to ten Hag taking charge following Ralf Rangnick's interim reign.

What's the latest news involving Torres?

It is understood that Torres’ representatives have arrived on English shores as they look to speed up their client's transfer from Villarreal to Manchester United.

According to Spanish media outlet Cadena Ser, the centre-half would prefer to join the Red Devils than fellow suitors Tottenham Hotspur despite the north Londoners being able to offer Champions League football next season thanks to finishing in the Premier League's top four.

The report suggests the 17-cap Spain international has also attracted interest from Manchester City and Chelsea ahead of the transfer window officially opening next week.

Leading decision-makers at Manchester United have internally discussed Torres as a transfer target with ten Hag and are eager to win the race for his services.

The Red Devils will have to spend big in order to tempt Villarreal into selling the 25-year-old, while transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed Torres' contract includes a release clause worth in the region of £51million.

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What has Dean Jones said about Torres?

While Manchester United appear to be edging towards welcoming Torres to Old Trafford, Jones still has doubts over whether the deal will go through.

The transfer insider feels ten Hag may be more interested in going for a central defender he has personally targeted and, as a result, put the transfer in jeopardy.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Is there somebody else that he would prefer? The only way I don't see it happening is if ten Hag puts a block on it, wants his voice heard and says 'I'm not sure about this guy. What about this guy that I'm going to suggest to you instead?'

"That would be the one factor that I would put into this equation that might put it in doubt."

Why are Man United looking to sign a new central defender?

Manchester United may have secured Europa League qualification for next season, but they finished 13 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and a big reason for that was their poor defensive record.

According to WhoScored, the Red Devils conceded an average of 13.4 shots per Premier League clash last term.

That contributed towards their defence being breached the second most times in the top half, so it is clear that stronger options at the heart of the backline are needed.