Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa are reportedly aiming big by pursuing a deal for Villarreal and Spain star Pau Torres.
According to Fichajes, new Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is plotting a move for Villarreal’s ace centre-back Pau Torres.
The Liverpool legend took over the Midlands club after an excellent spell with Scottish Premiership champions Rangers. Gerrard’s first foray into the Premier League got off to a winning start at the weekend against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Late strikes by Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings ended Villa’s five-game losing streak in the top flight. While the goals did the trick, it was a rather stoic defensive performance that set the tone for the win on the night. Mings and Ezri Konsa can form a formidable duo on their day but have not done so. Axel Tuanzebe, too has struggled to meet the same standards he set in his earlier loan spell at Villa Park.
Villa will do better to upgrade should the opportunity present itself. A new centre-back appears to be on the agenda, and the player in the crosshairs is none other than Pau Torres. The Spanish international is one of the best young defenders in La Liga and is also an established star with Spain.
At 24, the Villarreal ace is entering the prime of his career and looks ready to take the next step in his career. He led the Yellow Submarines to UEFA Europa League glory last season, defeating Manchester United in the final. He did a fine job stunting the Red Devils’ attack on the night, further enhancing his reputation.
Torres has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United. While he has excellent potential, there is also enough to suggest that he has to work on certain aspects of his game. A move to a relatively lesser side like Villa could prove to be a step in the right direction for the Spanish international.
Gerrard has proven himself an astute manager and could do with a defensive lynchpin who can also play out from the back. Torres is also a left-footed centre-back, a rare commodity that would be worth his weight in gold.
The chances of Villa signing a player of the Spaniard’s calibre would have been unthinkable a few years ago. However, flush with the cash from Jack Grealish’s sale to Manchester City, the Villans could make money do the talking for them. Villarreal, for their part, appear ready to accept a fee of €50 million for the 24-year-old. Whether the player himself is prepared for such a move remains to be seen.
Villa added the likes of Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings in the summer. Bringing in a top-class defender will certainly balance a side seeking a fresh start under a young and promising manager. Torres, for his part, can also consider a switch to Villa Park as a stepping stone to bigger things in the future.
