Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Premier League • England

Aston Villa tipped to disrupt Man Utd plans with spectacular €30m signing that’ll punish Juventus misstep

Spain stars Yeremy Pino and Pau Torres

Aston Villa are fast emerging as the likeliest destination for a regular Spain starter, and his arrival could have consequences for a different Man Utd move, per reports.

Much will be expected in the transfer market at Villa Park this summer, especially if a European campaign has been secured.

Aston Villa have won 13 of 22 league matches since Unai Emery took charge. That’s put them in contention for a European place, though back-to-back defeats have dampened their hopes.

Regardless, it’s crystal clear Villa are a team on the rise under Emery and a recent report from Football Insider claimed he’ll aim high this summer.

The online outlet reported Emery wants to forge a reunion with Spain international Pau Torres who he previously managed at Villarreal.

The left-footed centre-back, 26, has earned 23 caps for Spain since making his senior debut in 2019. He’s continued to operate at a high level for Villarreal over that time, though a new challenge could soon await.

Indeed, Torres’ current contract is due to expire at the end of next season. FI reported Aston Villa’s interest in the defender has prompted Villarreal to explore offering a new deal.

In the event the club’s terms aren’t to Torres’ liking, cashing in this summer while Villarreal still can would make sense.

Now, a fresh update from Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb has shed further light on the situation.

Aston Villa transfer makes most sense; price tag falls

They report Juventus too have shown interest in Torres, though are hesitating over whether to push ahead with a move.

Explaining why, it’s claimed the €30m price tag Villarreal have placed on Torres if he is to be sold is putting them off.

That’s a figure that’s unlikely to dissuade Aston Villa, and is actually far below the €50m figures that were touted when Villarreal’s bargaining position was stronger in previous summers.

The only other club who could reportedly pose a problem to Aston Villa is Napoli. The newly-crowned Serie A champions may soon be in the market for a starting centre-back if Man Utd poach Kim Min-jae.

The South Korean is understood to be high on Man Utd’s radar and would oust Harry Maguire if brought to Old Trafford.

However, if Villa are able to snatch Torres from under Napoli’s nose, the Italian side would be doubly determined to cling onto Kim and thus torpedo Man Utd’s plans.

In any case, TMW conclude it’s a move to England with Aston Villa that is the most plausible outcome for Torres at present.

The advantage they’d hold through the Unai Emery connection is also reiterated in the piece.

READ MORE: Newcastle look to hijack Aston Villa move for £50m LaLiga star as Howe turns back on another target