Spanish giants Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing an Aston Villa defender
Aston Villa defender Pau Torres
Aston Villa defender Pau Torres(Image: Getty Images)
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Barcelona reportedly hold an interest in Aston Villa centre-back Pau Torres.
The Spanish giants are on the lookout for a new left-sided defender following the departure of Inigo Martínez to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr earlier this year.
Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen are available as options to play in the middle of defence, but head coach Hansi Flick has struggled to find a consistent pairing this season.
Torres is said to have been admired by Barcelona since his days at Villarreal, according to ESPN, where he became one of the standout players in his position under Unai Emery.
Playing a key role for Emery, Villa are unlikely to discuss a transfer in January, or even in the summer, unless a huge financial package is tabled. Barcelona, however, have had limited financial flexibility in recent years.
Villa are believed to be keen on offering Torres fresh terms, with his current deal set to expire in 2028, meaning he will have two years remaining on his contract at the end of this season.
ESPN adds that Barcelona are aware it won’t be easy to negotiate with Villa, given Torres is a key player in Emery's team.
The 28-year-old is not the only option Barcelona have to strengthen the left side of defence, with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck also reportedly admired.
A German international, Schlotterbeck has been monitored closely by the Catalan side for several years.
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