Unai Emery wants to sign Man Utd and Tottenham target for Aston Villa

New Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is reportedly planning to reunite with Villarreal star Pau Torres.

Torres has been the subject of much transfer speculation over the last couple of seasons and has consistently been linked with a move to a top Premier League side.

Manchester United and Tottenham have been most closely linked with the centre-back who has been highly impressive for Villarreal, helping the La Liga side to the Europa League title in 2021, beating United in the final.

But now, according to Football Insider, it seems that the 25-year-old could be heading to Villa Park with Emery keen to sign Torres after leaving Villarreal to take charge of the Villans.

It is no secret that Villa have been struggling defensively this season, with only five teams conceding more goals then them so far, caused partly by the long-term injuries to centre-back Diego Carlos and defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

While both summer signings are expected back by the new year, Emery is expected to make some big signings in January as he shapes his squad to his liking, with Villa’s owners aiming to challenge at the top of Premier League.

Torres’ contract is up in the summer in 2024, but the Spain international could still cost up to £40million.

Villa should face less competition for his signature however, given that both United and Tottenham ended up signing alternative centre-back targets after failing to land Torres.

Over the last two summers, United brought Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford, while Spurs recruited Cristian Romero and Clement Lenglet.

Former Arsenal boss Emery’s first game in charge of Villa will be at home against United on Sunday.

MORE : Erik ten Hag responds to suggestion Manchester United should give up on Donny van de Beek

MORE : Not one Chelsea player is good enough to get into Arsenal’s team, says Kevin Campbell

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.