Aston Villa ‘make Pau Torres exit plan’ amid fears he could push to leave
Aston Villa are planning to block any departure for Pau Torres ahead of the January transfer window and have no intention of letting him go.
That is according to former Aston Villa and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Unai Emery values the 28-year-old as a crucial member of his squad.
Barcelona are the latest club to express an interest in the Spain international, with a move back to his home country expected to appeal to the defender.
This comes after former Villa CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Torres could push to leave Aston Villa and will be tempted by an offer from Barcelona.
However, Emery has no plans to weaken his squad mid-way through the season and any talk about his departure will be strongly rebuffed in January.
Pau Torres unlikely to leave Aston Villa in January
Aston Villa’s PSR situation is causing issues for them again ahead of the January window, leading to suggestions some players may have to be sold.
However, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted there is no way Villa will allow Torres to leave mid-way through the season.
“Pau Torres is a very important player for Aston Villa,” he told Football Insider.
“I must admit he was never one of my favourites, I didn’t think he was quick or physical enough, but the manager there is a big fan of his.
“He’s now cemented himself as a major player in that back line, so I have to hold my hands up.
“In the position Aston Villa are in at the moment, they need everybody available and they cannot afford to let key players move in the middle of the season.
“So any offers that come in for Torres, or anybody else for that matter, will be strongly rebuffed.
“If they think he wants to go back to Spain at some point, maybe it’s something that could happen in the summer, but certainly not half way through the season.”
Aston Villa make January transfer plan amid PSR concern
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 7 December that Aston Villa could accept offers for key players in January as they aim to bolster their transfer kitty.
Sources say the Villans must offload Jadon Sancho or Harvey Elliott back to their parent clubs or sell Ollie Watkins, should they want to bring in new arrivals at Villa Park.
Liverpool are unhappy with Elliott’s lack of minutes under Unai Emery, but would have to negotiate a new agreement to bring him back to Anfield.
Meanwhile, former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider on 30 December that Aston Villa are likely to face spending restrictions in January.
However, Villa could boost their financial situation by up to £50million if they qualify for the Champions League this season.
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