Aston Villa confident of Pau Torres transfer with Villarreal defender ready for Unai Emery reunion

Aston Villa are growing increasingly hopeful of concluding a deal for Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

Positive talks have been taking place since the start of the week with the Spain international convinced by Villa’s ambition and the prospect of playing again under his former boss Unai Emery.

Mail Sport revealed on Monday that despite the centre back’s £55m buyout clause, Villa would try with an initial offer around £35m for the 26-year old who had also been courted by Bayern Munich. Villarreal have hiked their wage bill to the hilt and acknowledged they would have to sell after failing to make the Champions League.

The arrival of Villa’s new sports director Monchi has also played a significant role in negotiations progressing.

Torres is a stylish 6ft 3ins left footed central defender who has 26 caps and has been followed by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Tottenham.

Bayern were also keen but have now closed on a deal for Napoli’s Kim Min Jae.

Aston Villa are growing increasingly hopeful of signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres

Torres is understood to be eyeing up a reunion with former boss Unai Emery in England