Villarreal may reportedly be forced to part ways with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur-linked Pau Torres for less than his release clause this summer.
After playing a key role in the Yellow Submarine's run to the Europa League crown in the 2020-21 season, Torres was widely linked with a departure from Unai Emery's side.
However, the 25-year-old remained at La Ceramica, and his central defensive partnership with Raul Albiol blossomed en route to the Champions League semi-finals.
Torres has registered five goals in 43 appearances for Villarreal in all tournaments this term, playing every minute in the Champions League and finding the back of the net against Juventus.
With the Spain international's contract at La Ceramica now only having two years left to run, Premier League clubs are expected to reignite their interest in his services this summer.
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Tottenham Hotspur reportedly sent scouts to watch Torres in action against Liverpool, while Manchester United and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest.
Now, Football Insider claims that interested parties have been handed a boost in their pursuits of Torres, who could be allowed to leave Villarreal for a lower fee than initially anticipated.
Torres is understood to possess a £55m release clause in his deal with the reigning Europa League champions, but Villarreal supposedly need to raise funds this summer, in spite of their remarkable Champions League run.
As a result, a fee of £45m could be enough to prise the former Malaga loanee away from the La Liga club, with Emery's side prepared to cash in while they can recoup a reasonable figure.
Torres now has 10 goals and four assists to his name from 130 matches in a Villarreal shirt, but a 1-1 draw with Villarreal on Sunday has left Emery's side seventh in the La Liga table.
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While Cristian Romero has impressed in the heart of the Tottenham defence, Antonio Conte is still expected to pursue a new left-sided central defender to challenge Ben Davies for a spot in the XI.
A new left-back could also be on the agenda for the Lilywhites, who have reportedly identified versatile Brighton & Hove Albion star Marc Cucurella as another summer target.
Meanwhile, Man United could be set for a defensive shake-up, as Phil Jones and Eric Bailly have allegedly told their teammates that they will be leaving at the end of the season.
Harry Maguire's performances have been widely criticised this term, and the duo of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof have also failed to produce consistent showings at the back for the Red Devils.
Ahead of Erik ten Hag's summer arrival, current interim manager Ralf Rangnick expects "six or eight" new signings to be made after a 4-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion ended Man United's Champions League hopes.
Meanwhile, Tottenham find themselves four points behind Arsenal and will also be out of contention for a top-four finish if they lose to the Gunners in Thursday's North London derby and if Chelsea get the better of Leeds United.
Ben Knapton
