Villarreal are expected to sell Pau Torres during the January transfer window for a knockdown price, according to reports in the UK.

Chelsea and Tottenham are said to be still interested in the Spanish international, while Aston Villa have also now entered the fray, with the defender’s former manager, Unai Emery, now at the Midlands club.

Torres does have a £55m release clause in his contract but, with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season, Villarreal are now willing to part ways with the 25-year-old as long as they receive an offer in excess of £40m.

Whether that will tempt the Blues into making a bid in the New Year, it is unlikely. Graham Potter’s side are targeting a left-footed centre-back but the main priority is believed to be RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.

Reliable sources have claimed that Chelsea are keen on securing the services of the Croatian international, along with his teammate Christopher Nkunku.