Pau Torres has made up his mind amid Aston Villa, Tottenham and Bayern transfer links

Aston Villa target Pau Torres has decided he will definitely leave Villarreal in this summer transfer window, according to a reputable report.

Although difficult to depart the club he has spent his whole career at, Torres has chosen this as the year he finally switches teams to take on a new challenge.

Heading into his prime at 26 years of age and widely regarded as one of the best centre backs in La Liga, it comes as no surprise that Torres has many potential suitors.

It’s become well-known that Unai Emery wants the Spain international at Villa Park but the likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur are also expected to make approaches.

As it stands, however, Marca claims the Villans are “the main favourite” in the race and the player himself has “already told his agents to inform Villarreal of his decision” to leave Estadi de la Ceràmica.

It’s said Emery is “in love” with Torres and is desperate to reunite with his former defender whom he spent the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons with.

The defender’s contract also expires in just 12 months, meaning Villarreal may have to lower their £45 million asking price in the fear of losing one of their star men on a free transfer.

Villa aren’t prepared to meet the Yellow Submarine’s valuation as a result and important conversations are set to take place in the coming days to try and find a resolution.

Which club poses the biggest threat to Villa?

Tottenham are likely out of the fray as Torres wants to play European football but Juventus will be in the Europa Conference League and Bayern in the more prestigious Champions League.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are also expected to lose defender Lucas Hernandez to Paris Saint-Germain soon and they will need to fill that void, making them perhaps the main rival.

Torres is a priority target for Bayern and so Villa would need to get a move on if they want to beat the Bavarian giants to the Spaniard’s in-demand signature.