Transfer Talk: Torres signing can make Villa a European Pau-er

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is hoping to seal an ambitious reunion with Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

The Spain international, 26, is one of Europe's most highly-rated centre-backs, previously attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

We look at whether the Villans can strike an eye-catching deal and what he would bring to Emery's outfit.

Friends reunited

Villa will embark on their first European adventure in 13 years next season and Emery clearly wants some experienced operators in his ranks.

With a number of continental campaigns and a Europa League title under his belt, 23-cap international Torres certainly fits that billing.

Couple that with the two seasons developing under Emery's stewardship with the Yellow Submarine between 2020 and 2022 and it looks both a smart and exciting addition for the Midlands outfit.

Birmingham Live report that Villa are now frontrunners for Torres, with their boss already making contact to convince him to make a switch to the Second City.

A pass master

The most striking attribute when watching Torres is his extraordinary composure on the ball.

He rarely shies away from receiving it in dangerous positions and has the passing range to go with his coolness as he conducts play from the back.

No LaLiga defender completing more passes than Torres (1,846) last season is proof of that, while he found a team-mate with a long ball on 182 occasions.

Villa enjoyed success playing out from the back after Emery's appointment in November and in Torres, their boss knows he would have one of the best in the business at that art.

He does not shirk his defensive responsibilities either, ranking in the top 10 for clearances completed (139), headed clearances (74) and possessions won in the defensive third (114).

A healthy set of options

Torres' addition would only strengthen what is developing into an enviable set of options at the heart of the Villa Park backline.

Fellow left-footer Tyrone Mings was one of Villa's best performers last term, with Ezri Konsa not far behind as the duo earned 11 clean sheets as a pairing.

What is more, they will welcome last season's marquee signing Diego Carlos back into the fray next after the Brazilian missed the majority of his debut campaign with an Achilles injury.

Keeping all four options happy could prove an issue but Europa Conference League football next term means Emery will need options aplenty in each position.

With the capture of Torres, he could certainly tick centre-back off that particular to-do list.

Fierce battle

With a year remaining on his contract, Villa want to strike a deal cheaper than Villarreal's £50million asking price but know they must act quickly amid competition from elsewhere.

United are said to be out of the race as a move for Minjae Kim edges closer but the likes of Bayern, Juventus and Napoli are still in the hunt.

Multiple reports suggest the Premier League side have stolen a march on those teams, with Emery seemingly convincing his former star of the exciting project at ambitious Villa.

Landing Torres would be the latest example of the Villans' elite coach allowing them to rub shoulders with Europe's biggest teams.