Aston Villa handed release clause boost for transfer target wanted by Chelsea, Man Utd & Wolves

Aston Villa have received a potential boost in their pursuit of transfer target Pau Torres, as the defender’s release clause has been revealed in a reputable report. Unai Emery is said to be keen on being reunited with the Spaniard, who he spent just over two full seasons managing at Villarreal.

Villa aren’t the only team in for Torres, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers all interested in acquiring his services. The 25-year-old has spent his entire career at Villarreal but could be lured away with just over 18 months left on his current contract.

According to transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano, via Caught Offside, Torres’ release clause stands at just £39 million (€45 million) - a figure believed to be reasonable by the clubs circling. The report states no negotiations are currently ongoing, but Villarreal could even be willing to discuss a lower asking price for the Spanish international.

Selected in the 26-man squad for the World Cup, Torres has established himself as a regular in the Spanish national team. He has made 21 appearances at a senior level, scoring one goal, and he is now battling with Eric Garcia to start alongside Manchester City centre back Aymeric Laporte in Qatar.

Having made 257 career club appearances by the age of just 25, including 115 in La Liga and 12 in the Champions League, Torres has no doubt proved his worth as a quality central defender. He also knows all too well what it’s like to play under Emery, as shown by the pair’s Europa League win in 2021.

If he were to head to Villa Park, Torres would create some very strong competition among the Lions’ defensive options. The likes of Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos would all have to lock horns for a spot, as Emery typically goes with formations with two centre backs.

On paper, Carlos and Torres would probably be the best duo - but the Spaniard’s potential arrival would likely only benefit Mings and Konsa. The English duo would be pushed to perform at their absolute best in an effort to retain their places. This could be an exciting rumour to follow.