Villarreal ‘have to sell’ as Aston VIlla boss Unai Emery looks to raid his former employers to potentially bring Pau Torres and Dani Parejo to the Premier League.
The Castellon side, according to CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles, ‘have to sell’ in order to ‘break even’.
And that could be music to the ears of the Aston Villa boss; Emery aiming to bring a couple of familiar faces to the Midlands during the summer transfer window.
According to the Daily Mail, veteran playmaker Dani Parejo is in line for a reunion with Emery. The 34-year-old – labelled an ‘exceptional’ talent by his one-time Valencia coach Gary Neville – has just 12 months left on his contract.
Pau Torres, meanwhile, is valued at around £40 million. Aston Villa have reportedly submitted an ‘official’ offer but now face competition from a Bayern Munich side preparing for the potential departure of PSG target Lucas Hernandez.
Aston Villa eye La Liga raid
“I don’t know what will happen to Pau,” Roig tells AS. “But it is true that he is a special case, since he is a kid who has spent his whole life here and who is from the town.
“He is a very loved by the club and by the fans, and I can assure you that he is very happy here. So to leave, it has to be something that improves him financially and sportingly. Something that is good for everyone.
“For now, we don’t know (what will happen).”
With regards to Parejo, one of the most underrated playmakers of the modern era, Roig admits that talks over a contract extension are yet to begin.
“Parejo has one year left on his contract,” he says. “And we still haven’t sat down to talk. But we are all aware of what this team has given and how important it is for us.
“Although we know no one is eternal or irreplaceable. He is a great player. With the ball at his feet, he is one of the best players in the league and in the world. I hope he can stay with us for a long time.
“To break even, we have to sell. But let us be clear that we are not in a hurry. Nor are we going to ‘undersell’ anyone. We have a lot of talent in the squad and many young players.”
Emery’s hopes of securing a successful La Liga raid should be aided by the appointment of former Sevilla director Monchi, his arrival confirmed late last week.
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