New Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is reportedly plotting a shock swoop for Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres.
The Villans added the likes of Danny Ings, Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Ashley Young in the summer and Steven Gerrard would want to make an impression in the squad by signing a couple of players in the upcoming January transfer window. The Midlands club have been linked with a few names since the English tactician left Rangers to join them earlier this month.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Aston Villa boss is aiming to pursue a deal for Villarreal star Pau Torres. The Spaniard, who has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, could be allowed to depart if a club splashes €50 million, the report adds.
Pau Torres, 24, is rated as one of the best young defenders in La Liga and has also established himself in the Spanish national team under Luis Enrique. Villarreal born and bred, the left-footed defender has already made over 100 appearances and helped the Spanish outfit to UEFA Europa League triumph last season, beating Manchester United in the final in Poland.
Pau Torres to Aston Villa—A smart option for Steven Gerrard?
Steven Gerrard, who replaced Dean Smith earlier this month, oversaw a 2-0 victory over Brighton in his first game in charge of Aston Villa at the weekend. Nonetheless, the English tactician should have got an idea by now about the problems he has in the squad and must address them.
Aston Villa have been defensively all over the place since the start of October, conceding 13 goals in six league games in the process. Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa haven’t been consistent as a pair this season, while Axel Tuanzebe—on loan from Manchester United—is yet to meet the expectations of the club and fans alike.
The Lions could do better by reinforcing their backline and Pau Torres certainly fits the bill perfectly. Torres is a technically gifted, ball-playing defender who can hold his own and has the knack of initiating attacks from the back. He is more than capable of marauding with the ball before making an incisive pass to his teammate in the final third of the pitch.
The Spanish international is aerially competent and has a decent turn of pace, whilst him being a better passer and reader of the game than Mings should improve the quality of Aston Villa’s defence instantly. Torres could become the ideal partner for Konsa, and while there are a couple of aspects that needs to be worked on, the 24-year-old certainly has the qualities to thrive in the physical and intense nature of Premier League football.
All in all, Torres could become the defensive leader at Villa Park which Gerrard currently lacks in his squad. Thus, Villa must not hesitate to meet Villarreal’s rumoured €50 million valuation of the Spaniard and sign him.
