Manchester City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain has an “excellent relationship” with the entourage of Villarreal defender Pau Torres, according to Marca.

The Spanish international has been mentioned as a possible target for City in the past, but reports in the English press have linked the 24-year-old with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United more recently.

Torres is believed to have a €65m (£56m) release clause, which makes him an attractive target, not only for Premier League teams, but for clubs in Spain as well, with Real Madrid and Barcelona believed to be keeping tabs on the centre-back.

However, with Begiristain’s connections, it seems the Citizens would be the favourites if they did choose to pursue Torres either in January or at the end of the season.

Marca suggest the Spaniard could be a replacement for Aymeric Laporte, if the 27-year-old decides to depart. However, with the centre-half getting regular game time once again, it seems unlikely he would consider leaving the Etihad now.