BBC pundit tips 'outstanding' Pau Torres signing after Aston Villa transfer news emerges

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park… 

Alan Hutton believes Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres is an outstanding player and would be a quality addition to Unai Emery's Aston Villa ranks this summer.

Football Insider reported on 5 June that the Villans have made an official move to sign the Spaniard, who is entering the last year of his contract with the La Liga side.

The 26-year-old previously worked under Emery at Villarreal and was part of the team which won the Europa League two years ago.

Aston Villa already possess Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and the now fit-again Diego Carlos at centre-back, but a potential move for Torres would present the opportunity to strengthen the first-team ranks even further.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hutton waxed lyrical about the centre-back and tipped him to come straight into the team and start under Emery next season if signed.

"He's a quality player," he said.

"I think if you want to get to the next level and compete with the teams above you, these are the type of players you need to go for.

"He's been an outstanding player for Villarreal, he likes to travel out with the ball, he's comfortable, he wins all of his battles, so he ticks all the boxes for a centre-half.

"You would think, paying that sort of money, he is going to be coming in to play. I do think Konsa has been really good, Mings has been really good, he's signed his new contract.

"You have to have competition, and you need that bit of competition for you to go out there and play your best."

Emery has previously been full of praise for the Spain international, labelling him an "amazing player" and admitting he has "never seen a centre-back like Torres" during his managerial career.

The defender made 39 appearances for the Yellow Submarine last season, scoring one goal.

In other Aston Villa news, Manchester City want to sign this Women’s star from the Villans.