Barcelona are monitoring Aston Villa defender Pau Torres

Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Aston Villa defender Paul Torres ahead of a potential move for the centre-back.

According to ESPN, Barcelona are prioritizing signing a left-sided centre-back – following the departure of Inigo Martinez last summer – and Torres is very much on the club’s radar.

The report adds that Barcelona are looking to find a long-term central defensive partner for Pau Cubarsi and think Torres is a good option.

Barcelona are said to value Torres’ ability on the ball and in the air and think he would be willing to listen to an offer to return to Spain.

Meanwhile, Gerard Martin has emerged as a new partner for Cubarsi after being moved from his usual position on the left.