Aston Villa 'leading race for Pau Torres'

In recent seasons, the Spain international has established himself as one of the most highly-regarded centre-backs in European football.

That reputation has been built through Villarreal's exploits on the continent, winning the Europa League and reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

When the 26-year-old did not leave the Yellow Submarine last summer, it came as a surprise, particularly with Villarreal only competing in the Europa Conference League.

However, having bowed out of that competition in the last 16 and Villarreal looking unlikely to earn Champions League football for 2023-24, it appears increasingly likely that Torres will be in the move.

According to Tutto Mercato, Villa are leading the race to secure Torres's signature after their impressive form under Unai Emery.

Torres is no stranger to Emery having worked with him at Villarreal, and a reunion is a possibility regardless of whether Villa earn European football.

As it stands, Villa sit one point adrift of seventh-placed Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League standings having played two matches more than the Seagulls.

Nevertheless, Brighton have a tough run-in - like Villa do - and the two teams square off against each other on the final day of the season.

The report claims that Juventus are the most likely rivals to Villa, although 'uncertainties' at the Italian giants have led to doubts emerging over a possible switch to Turin.

Despite the Spain international having less than 14 months remaining on his contract, Villarreal are allegedly ready to demand in the region of €30m (£26.05m).

That valuation is unlikely to deter Villa's ambitious owners when Mateu Alemany is expected to join the West Midlands outfit when leaving his role of director of football at Barcelona.

Although Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos represent obvious options to Emery for the middle of his backline, he arguably needs a fourth centre-back to provide further competition with Calum Chambers having made just two Premier League starts all season.