Barcelona Seek Move for Aston Villa Defender Pau Torres

By Akpo ESCO

Barcelona are following Aston Villa defender Pau Torres after making the signing of a left-sided centre-back a priority for next summer, various sources have told ESPN.

The departure of Iñigo Martínez to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr earlier this year saw coach Hansi Flick lose a key figure from last season's backline.

Barça currently have Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, Eric García and Andreas Christensen as options to play in the middle of the defence, but Flick has struggled to find a consistent pairing this season.

In recent weeks, with Araújo currently taking a mental health break and García playing in midfield, the German coach has even used left-back Gerard Martín as a centre-back.

Flick's reason for using Martín there is the benefits it provides for the team in possession when they can play out from the back with a left-footed player.

Source: ESPN