By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

8th May, 2023 | 9:00am

Sources: Torres open to joining Aston Villa after Barcelona twist

Aston Villa target Ferran Torres is open to a Premier League return this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old winger could be forced to leave Barcelona at the end of the season as the Spanish giants attempt to balance their books and thin their squad.

It is understood that Torres is happy at Camp Nou, but with Barcelona pushing him to leave he is open to the possibility of returning to England.

The Spanish international previously spent 18 months at Manchester City after making a £20.8million move from Valencia.

He scored 16 goals and provided four assists for Pep Guardiola’s side before slipping down the pecking order and struggling with injury in his final few months at the club.

Unai Emery is a big admirer of Torres and is eager to bring his compatriot to Villa Park as part of the club’s ambitious long-term plans.

Villa are hopeful that the appointment of Mateu Alemany will help in their pursuit of Torres’ signature.

Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (5 May) that Villa have reached a full agreement to appoint Barcelona director Alemany this summer.

Alemany worked as the director of football at Barcelona for two years and was responsible for Torres’ £49million move to the Catalan club.

Villa are working on a deal for Torres after learning of his availability, but it is understood that they are set to face competition from Arsenal for his signature.

In other news, Aston Villa confident of beating ‘Big Six’ to Palhinha signing