The 26-year-old worked under current Villa boss Unai Emery at Estadio de la Ceramica, staying with the Spanish club this season despite interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
Having been part of Spain's World Cup squad in Qatar last year, the ex-Malaga man has featured heavily for Villareal this term, appearing in 26 of their 29 La Liga matches so far.
According to Football Insider, Emery's Aston Villa are plotting a move to secure the services of Torres this summer, with the 51-year-old looking to reunite with his former defender at Villa Park.
The report adds that the Yellow Submarine are attempting to tie the centre-back's long-term future to the club with a new contract, however it is becoming increasingly likely that Torres will be departing this summer.
It is also said that other Premier League clubs are interested in the player, meaning the Villans may face some heavy competition as they attempt to lure Torres to the West Midlands.