Pau Torres is currently with his international team, representing Spain in the ongoing UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. Despite this, however, the Villarreal defender cannot get away from transfer rumors, with the highly-rated center-back being tipped with a summer move to some of the continent's biggest clubs.
Having led the Yellow Submarine to the UEFA Europa League title, their first major trophy in their entire history, he was bound to attract interest from European giants. Man United emerged as the early favorites to sign the 24-year-old, who has a rumored release clause worth $77.4M, but they are now facing stiff competition from Real Madrid.
Los Blancos' interest emerged not too long ago, with the Spanish heavyweights keen on finding a replacement for the iconic Sergio Ramos, who recently bid an emotional farewell to the club. People have been speculating whether Los Merengues can afford the Spaniard this summer. Meanwhile, amid all this commotion, Torres has been donning the Furia Roja jersey as all these speculations circulate.
A widespread belief is that players can lose concentration when embroiled in a transfer saga while at a major international tournament. As a result, the Villarreal ace was asked for his thoughts on the transfer rumors by Goal. His answer was music to the ears of the Spanish national team fans.
The center-back stressed that he is entirely calm about the situation and has not been caught up by all the speculation. Instead, his main focus remains with La Furia Roja as they aim to secure progression to the Euro 2020 round of 16 in their final group-stage match against Slovakia.
"I have a contract at Villarreal, I just won the first title for the club, we have qualified for the Champions League and it is something that excites me a lot.
"Now I'm focused on the Euros. Then the Super Cup and nice things will come, so I'm totally calm."
When asked if an offer from Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in world football, would be too hard to turn down, he simply replied by saying: "I live in my home town, very quiet, doing beautiful things and fighting for great things with my hometown team.
"I'm totally calm, right now I am only focused on the European Championship, on Wednesday (when Spain will take on Slovakia)."
Torres and Co. will be involved in a crucial game on Wednesday, taking on Slovakia in the third and final round of the Euro 2020 group stage. Despite being the favorites to win the group, Luis Enrique's men enter this clash in third with only two points under their belt, having drawn 0-0 and 1-1 in their opening two fixtures. If the 2010 World Cup champions lose their final game and Poland beat Sweden in the other fixture, then they will finish last in Group E and will suffer an embarrassing early exit.
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